In the Metal scene, it’s like a mortal sin to use the term ‘alternative’ to label a band. There’s a lot of conservative ideas into the genre (it’s not a coincidence to see Metalheads supporting fascist regimes and ideas throughout the world, even being a contradiction that no explanation given can justify things), so to use the word ‘alternative’ can cause distress. But no one can deny that Alternative Rock gave tons of good things to Metal, and to hear the Bulgarian quartet ODD CREW’s music on “Dark Matters - Part III” is truly a pleasure.

The band’s music isn’t merely Alternative Metal, and as usually happens, the label can’t describe the ample range of elements of a musical work. The band’s music is filled with a refined technical appeal (what means that influences of Progressive Rock are heard, especially on bass guitar and drums rhythms), bits of Groove Metal and more, filled with influences from ALICE IN CHAINS, PINK FLOYD, SOUNDGARDEN, THE WHO and others. It’s not a sin to say that their music is mature, filled with energy and depicts a personality sharpened by the experience. And it’s really so good.

“Dark Matters - Part III” was recorded, mixed and mastered in the quartet’s own studio (ButcherHouse Studio at Sofia, Bulgaria), and the band created a natural and organic sonority (as they just set their gears, played and recorded things, without using digital technologies on endless editions), full, defined and with the right levels of distortion and aggressiveness. The instrumental tunes could be better (besides things sounds good), but it doesn’t cause damage to the quartet’s music.

When “Dark Matters - Part III” (as the name states clean, it’s the third part of a line of albums) plays, one can check as they show maturity and created a very good release, as heard on songs as “Blaming Time” (extremely dynamical rhythmic shifts can be heard, with very good bass and drums parts in a Prog Rock way), “New Waters” (the mastodonic weight of this one is filled with Groove Metal elements, with charming vocals and backing vocals), “Stranger Things” (extremely catchy melodies), “Turning Tables”, “Detox” (very good guitar riffs, arrangements and solos), “Still Alive”, “The Sandman” and “Change the World”.

ODD CREW really created a very good release with “Dark Matters - Part III”, so listen to it and enjoy!