11 Paranoias: Superunnatural

I recently had the opportunity to review Misanthropic Alchemy, an important collection by the now-defunct English band Ramesses. As part of my discussion, I mentioned that two members of Ramesses had already started a new project, a band called 11 Paranoias. 11 Paranoias, made up of Adam Richardson and Mark Greening of Ramesses and Mike Vest from Bong, began with a rehearsal on 11/11/11, a unique date that also very likely inspired the band's name.

The music here isn't very much like Ramesses, nor should it be. This is a new project, something meant to reach beyond, to discover. Listeners will notice, very quickly, that the music here is simultaneously heavy and laid back, dark and moody. In their promo materials, the band suggests that there are also some dark psychedelic moments on this album. That's true. And yet I can't help but think that this music cannot be captured by any one label. It's just heavy music, tinged with mellowness, brooding and atmospheric. If things cross over into psychedelic territory at times, it is because the mood requires it.

Most people will probably take note of the heavy bass lines; at certain moments on the album, they enter the music like a tragedian works the stage. The vocals on this album are less distinctive. Raspy and harsh, they reminded me of those times in the Harry Potter movies when he spoke to snakes. Seriously, just listen to "Inside Eusas Head" and tell me that the singer isn't trying to convince some random snake to attack an innocent wizard.

The bonus tracks on this CD are basically rehearsal versions of the main tracks. I actually enjoyed listening to them; I actually compared some of the rehearsals to the polished tracks just to see what, if anything, changed. Ultimately, this is a good release, not a classic or anything, but one worth a couple listens.

Track Listing:
1. Deceiver of the Deep
2. Ossuaries
3. Reapers Ruin
4. Inside Eusas Head

CD BONUS TRACKS
5. Deceiver of the Deep (Rehearsal Version)
6. Reapers Ruin (Rehearsal Version)
7. Eusas Ghost Projector (Rehearsal Version)
8. Black Sun Loop (Rehearsal Version)

Added: August 22nd 2013
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Bandcamp Page
Hits: 2506
Language: english

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