Review of Mindgrinder - Riot Detonator

Norway's Mindgrinder return with another dose of deep-rooted death metal while sharing a few thrashy traits. Having heard them through a review I did of their first album, nearly a year ago, I was interested in hearing how they've progressed over the course of this latest release. Having retained their slight synth sounds, their Morbid Angel tendencies and recruiting a new drummer, while things have improved, I would have liked to have seen this band take their sound further than they have on Riot Detonator.

While I'm a big fan of anything thrash, there's something about the songs that strikes a nerve. Their performance just isn't tight enough, and it's most clearly evident in "Transition". Playing a style that requires precision, although I can't say they're playing sloppily, it's driven by the drums and the riffs take a back-seat. However, another a good selling point for Mindgrinder would be their well-written but occasionally formulaic solos which compliment the entire song quite nicely. If an album could ride completely on the skill of their lead guitarist, Riot Detonator still wouldn't win any awards but probably wouldn't be ignored the way this record unfortunately will be. The band makes an occasional reach into something different with clean-sung passages, acoustic interludes, and their previously mentioned synth effects - but they're not reaching far enough. They need to take everything they're doing and push it ten times harder. And also either break out of that Morbid Angel knock-off sound or come up with some better hooks.

Sadly though, the big issue I have with the release is the same issue I have with most. It's well performed, but blatantly very by the book. It's really too bad, as this new album only supports the theory that these guys have the talent required to create something potent. There isn't enough true distinction to steer you towards or even away from the album. I'd much rather be polarized on something than to feel rather indifferent or slightly positive to something the way I feel towards Mindgrinder.

Release Details

Mindgrinder

Riot Detonator

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