A Loathsome Smile – Schizoid

Incorporating elements of experimental death metal, noise, electronica and thrash, A Loathsome Smile’s Schizoid is a rather standard fare in the artist’s discography. Despite containing elements of A Loathsome Smile’s grueling aesthetic, the album fails to differentiate itself from its influences. Whereas the previous album, Derelict Town, was a step in the right direction for industrial metal, Schizoid takes far too little risks.

While the album is rather inconsistent, there are certain songs that stand out. Underwater is without a doubt the highlight, with its harrowing wall of synths and its glorious aquatic soundscapes. Behind the Scenes is another highpoint, with its Neurosis-inspired instrumentation and electronically appealing backbone. If it weren’t for the chaotic and delirious multilayered synthetics giving life to Creeds, the song may have been another boring retread for thrash metal, but somehow Smile makes it work. The same could be said for Liberticidal, bolstered by its creative qubits and powerful vocal performance. Any time the album focuses more on the synthetics, it’s a true delight.

Unfortunately, many of the electronics are marred by persistently bland and obnoxious riffs. Ironically, if it weren’t for the multilayering, the album would be just another bland replica of thrash metal. Tracks such as Belong? demonstrate that the more the artist steers away from thrash metal, the more his songs shine. Suffice to say, Smile works best when utilising the tension-release dynamic, as well as during the quieter moments. Regardless, the album has an undeniably unique characteristic to it that sets it above the competition.

Schizoid contains all the right elements that makes A Loathsome Smile so unique and pleasing to listen to, though it is dragged heavily down by thrash metal conventions and unimaginative riffs. The synthetics certainly paint a delightful picture, but the range is incredibly limited and at times, simply awkward. Thankfully, even at its simplest, it offers more than other metal outlets in the scene, and the songwriting is creative enough to warrant attention. Here’s hoping A Loathsome Smile doesn’t return to these roots in future, though, as he’s capable of so much more.

Good

Listen to it here:

https://aloathsomesmile.bandcamp.com/album/schizoid

A Loathsome Smile – Schizoid