Metal maniacs, rejoice! The Thrasher returns to present to you: CANDIRIA; signed via the almighty Metal Blade Records, performing Rap/Alternative Metal - on their 8^th studio album entitled: "While They Are Sleeping".

Since formation in 1992, the quintet in question, has 8 studio albums behind them, I'm acquainted with their 8^th - "While They Are Sleeping" (released on October 7^th, 2016). It's been 8 years since the record entitled, "Kiss The Lie", and understanding the sub-genres set in place here is undeniably bizarre. Going in with low expectations; I was right to feel anxious about trying out this unprecedented discovery. Rap in Metal? Outright sounds weird at first and this may occur to be a problem for the fans of original Heavy Metal...and from my first listen; I was confused by the mixture balanced here, where I actually refused to listen to such a phenomenon that we have here - I have to though, of course. Rap in its original form should stay right there - fusing it with Metal always will raise eyebrows, and for sure your quartet shouldn't care, but when it ultimately sounds scrambled musically...expect criticism where is due.

Not all sounded distinguished, however. Consisting of vocalist Carley Coma on vocals, who showcased a very unique formula of complex chords, yet expectedly failed to showcase decent rhythmic style at hand; utilizing a progressive yet messy intake in the musicianship. However, I did here and there enjoy the instrumental leaps from John LaMacchia on rhythm and lead guitars and the diverse complexity of Julio Arias also on rhythm guitar. Implementing quasi-djent riffery; this is about as much as one would expect for the alternative genre in place. The powerhouse of Michael MacIvor on bass and Danny Grossarth on drums, deliver pummeling dexterity with efficient flair, which imbalance with the sound production; yet with the progressive leaps, things felt a little distorted for me to fully enjoy unfortunately. 12 tracks compile "While They Are Sleeping", with captivating aesthetics filled with organic substances.

The titular track, "While They Are Sleeping", doesn't implement any of that Rap Metal as described; more like the essence of extreme hardcore vocalization imitating LIMP BIZKIT-esquire motives. This is an album that's conceptual based, which is definitely uncharted territory for "Rap Metal". "Mereya", "Wandering Light" & "The Cause" don't really adapt with indifferences to the songwriting...just progressively discover musical diversion with thorough proficiency. "One Of You Will Betray Me" includes musically simpatico groove metal tropes, ascending to a jazzy interlude, which was a nice highlight. "Opague", "The Whole World Will Burn" & "Behind These Walls" implement wah-like pedal riffing and adds more instrumental adroitness. "With Broken Bones", "Ten Thousand Tears" & "Servitude", concludes the record with not much else other than the aforementioned...

...yet I can't really see myself returning to this one I'm afraid...while musically intriguing, not enjoyably intriguing. They did however fuse every musical aspect into one piece of art, and that deserves some respect at least.<