Since the name in question is not yet on everyone's lips, it is worth making a brief introduction.
Neurotech is a Slovenian band that plays a genre that can be defined as "cyber-metal." However, calling them a "band" wouldn't be entirely accurate, as they are more of a "one-man-band" à la Nine Inch Nails or, to cite a name better known to the general public, Burzum. The founder and sole current member Wulf handles almost everything, playing all the instruments, singing, as well as production, mixing, and mastering. In fact, the only thing that seems not directly handled by the author appears to be the artwork for the various works.
It is also worth saying a few words about the way Neurotech has chosen to distribute their music. Not being under contract with any record label, their works are available for digital download from their page on the site Bandcamp.com, at the price of a free donation or for free, and streamed on their YouTube profile. It is also possible to purchase some of their releases in "physical" format, directly from the band's website.
This is a self-distribution system now adopted by many underground entities, which has allowed the project in question to gain a considerable following while staying away from the mainstream. Despite the at least momentarily low notoriety, the quality of the music is high in every aspect.
Neurotech's first full-length is "Antagonist" from 2011, following the raw and at times frankly awkward debut E.P. Transhuman from 2008.
The evolution is very clear; although the genre remains mostly the same, the quality of the compositions, performance, and especially the production increases significantly.
Compared to subsequent releases, "Antagonist" is the most distinctly metal work. Distorted, powerful, and precise guitars are prominent throughout the album. Layer upon layer of synthesizers create an atmospheric sound between certain symphonic metal and New Age electronics. The drum machine executes sometimes tight and sometimes martial rhythms. The vocals are constantly acidic and distorted.
So far, nothing particularly original, as there are many bands that blend extreme metal and electronics, and listening to Antagonist Rammstein, Samael, Kovenant, Fear Factory, Deathstars, etc., come to mind; however, what is surprising is the "pop" vein of these songs, which, although infused with the aggressiveness of distorted riffs and the furious drum machine, rely on a verse-chorus structure where the protagonists are the synthesizer melodies.
As is true for certain synth-pop, surely among their influences, half the work is done when the song is supported by a simple but catchy keyboard melody, and this is what Neurotech does best. Almost every track on the album succeeds in this regard, and "Antagonist" can be listened to in one go without any drop in quality at any point.
In short, "Antagonist" is an excellent addition to a genre within which it stands out for excellent production, a variety of well-blended influences, from the bolder black metal to Enya and Mike Oldfield, a high ability to write immediately catchy songs, and to create cybernetic sounds and futuristic atmospheres.
Tracklist and Videos
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