Grenouer
Unwanted Today
Mausoleum Records
2015
Grenouer, were born out of the 90s extreme metal genre, hailing out of Russia’s St Petersburg, but have now evolved their sound into a very groovy alternative metal (P.O.D, Linkin Park etc) that however feels a bit weird. Their chops and production skills are second to none, yet, the predictable style and overall lack of a unique sound, makes them a little generic.
Weirdly enough, in recent years, Alfie Falkenbach, a guy that became synonymous, with putting out a lot of classic metal through the small, but historically important Mausoleum records, seems to have opened up a lot to thrashier and more alternative acts, but seems unable to pull a rabbit out of the hat, with any of his most recent signings.
That’s not to say that Grenouer are a bad band, or they wouldn’t have lasted eight albums. It’s just that the simple groovy parts and over-processed vocals, without some ultra-catchy hook, (that is in essence what these guys do lack) can only sound as good as it does on this album. It’s unlikely to turn heads, but might be a good band for fans of the genre worldwide to discover and appreciate, although, the track record is not too kind with bands not on “huge labels” or even “big bands” of the genre, leaving said labels. But since these guys have been going on for all these years, going from strength to strength and switching genres in between who knows... anything could happen.
Weirdly enough, in recent years, Alfie Falkenbach, a guy that became synonymous, with putting out a lot of classic metal through the small, but historically important Mausoleum records, seems to have opened up a lot to thrashier and more alternative acts, but seems unable to pull a rabbit out of the hat, with any of his most recent signings.
That’s not to say that Grenouer are a bad band, or they wouldn’t have lasted eight albums. It’s just that the simple groovy parts and over-processed vocals, without some ultra-catchy hook, (that is in essence what these guys do lack) can only sound as good as it does on this album. It’s unlikely to turn heads, but might be a good band for fans of the genre worldwide to discover and appreciate, although, the track record is not too kind with bands not on “huge labels” or even “big bands” of the genre, leaving said labels. But since these guys have been going on for all these years, going from strength to strength and switching genres in between who knows... anything could happen.