Album Review: Exotype - "Exotype"

If we can all agree that Black Sabbath was the first true heavy metal band then heavy metal as a genre has only been around for slightly more than 40 years. And, if we use the traditional definition of a "generation" as being a 20 year period, then we are nearly a quarter of the way through the third generation of heavy metal music.

40 years ago, metal bands had a very specific set of criteria that needed to be met to keep them in the genre. 30 years ago, we began to see a split in the evolution with sub-genres like thrash/speed metal, death metal, and so on. 20 years ago, industrial and techno further splintered heavy metal music. What I'm hearing more and more these days are a new generation of metal heads incorporating many of these diverse sub-genres, as well as non-metal influences, into their music. And that brings us to Exotype.

Exotype's self-titled LP is their first full length and to say there's a lot going on throughout its 12 tracks is a bit of an understatement. Exotype uses a variety of styles to create a cohesive and interesting musical product. It's part death-core and part dub-step. There are melodic parts and electronic parts. It's an amalgamation of sounds that is as much a testament to the band's varied influences as it is to the marvels of modern studio engineering.

The album is a thrill ride, to say the least. The opening track, "Stand Up" is an interesting song with which to start the album. It's got a bit of a pop feel with vocals that some might describe as "emo" blending seamlessly with more aggressive singing, synthesizers, down-tuned guitars and that crisp kick-drum sound that punctuates every guitar chug. I made me curious to hear what else was on the record.

I was then treated to "Wide Awake", which begins the way "Stand Up" ends but quickly morphs into a much more aggressive song with more synths, metal-core guitars and a death roar but a melodic, pop flavored chorus.

Track four, "Red Pulse" hit me like pop-punk meets the Eurythmics. Lots of electronics combined with heavy rhythm guitars. I could see this song getting some attention on the radio. Interesting, but not top on my list.

Juxtapose that with the next song, "For Those Afraid To Speak". It's significantly heavier but still contains those pop elements that I think will help Exotype click with a wider audience. This one is closer to my style.

And if you're in the mood for something different, check out "Nanovirus". This song delves even deeper into the world of dubstep and utilizes a lot of what is known as "wub" within a relatively traditional metal structure. It's destructive power and melodic vocals will have you bobbing AND shaking your head in disbelief.

Exotype has moments that reminded me of a more extreme (much more extreme) Linkin' Park, going back and forth between growled lyrics and sung choruses with the occasional rap-style delivery thrown in. But the similarity is only casual. Exotype uses their varied metal influences and freshens them up with the addition of keyboards and programming creating a sonic cocktail that is both shaken and stirred.   

Clearly, Exotype is not a group of guys who stepped into the garage, hit "record" on their laptop and put out a record. They've been competently assisted by producer Joe Sturgis (The Devil Wears Prada) and what must have been an outstanding recording studio. The quality of the production is top notch and the album is best listened to on the finest hi-fi you can get your hands on.

Exotype's own promotional material calls the album a, "... unique blend of melodic hooks, hardcore breakdowns, electronic programming, and catchy, scream sing-alongs. Exotype aren't the first band to mix these genres together, but they're one of the first to truly perfect it".

For me, listening to the Exotype album was like eating a Thanksgiving leftover sandwich. By that I mean it takes all the best parts of the meal and crams them between two slices of bread so that you get to taste a little bit of everything with each bite. There's a lot going on on this record and, while it may not have acheived perfection, it is very exciting.

Exotype has stepped up to the plate and delivered the latest entry in the evolution of metal. It's a mulligan stew of death-core, electronica, melody and harmony. Most of the time it all works together. There are a few awkward moments but far to few to mention. Exotype is on to something with their debut album and, with a bit more refinement, they may very well lead the way as torchbearers of the next generation of this thing we call metal. Wub.

Wizard

Contributor