Combining technical metal with hardcore and jazz is really nothing new-bands like The Dillinger Escape Plan have been doing it for years, and Into the Moat have really made a name for themselves over the last year or two with their ultra complex form of "math rock". Hell, you could even say that Meshuggah kind of invented the whole thing about ten or so years ago. Apiary are a band from California whole debut Lost in Focus on Metal Blade Records falls into the same sort of category. Much of the bands sound comprises screaming vocals, intricate lead guitar fills, crushing riffs, and powerhouse rhythms, all performed within a rapid fire, frenetic framework. Does it all work? Well, yes and no. The talents of the band are not in question by any means-guitarists Peter Layman and Mike McClatchey are skilled players, and the rhythm team of bassist Dave Small & drummer Adam Elliot know how to plant a groove as well as bash some serious mayhem. It's just that the vocals of Jason Ingram have no variety to them, as his screams sound exactly the same from song to song, giving the whole album a sort of "samey" feel. It's a shame, as there are some interesting bits going on here, and some of the riffs and rhythms are pretty massive at times, like on the crushing and complex "Intervention". In the end though, despite the energy displayed and obvious chops, they guys are still not there yet as far as creating memorable tunes. They can sure kick your ass, but once they do there's no reason to go back for more.
Track Listing
1. Pain Is The Reason
2. Descent
3. Extract
4. Omnipresence
5. Intervention
6. Bliss In Vain
7. Forced To Breathe
8. Lustrum
9. Peril's Divinity
10. Solidified Foundation
11. Fading Imprint
12. These Walls Are Permanent
13. Finding A Way Back
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