Released in October, "Nonconform" is the fourth full-length record from the trio from Poland. Their first, "Hatred is Purity" arrived eight years ago with two further albums delivered in the following four years. Not being familiar with the band's previous music didn't seem too much of an issue but there were a few surprises thrown in as the music flowed.

As the opening track "Imperceptible" spewed forth, first impressions were very much that this was another routine death metal band with another routine death metal album. But this perception was challenged by a complete change in tempo after a couple of minutes, with an ending that surprised. The variation in style continues with the second track, the doom filled "Separated from All Life" which grinds huge riffs with slower passages and Loranc's grizzled vocals into a crushing fist.

One could often accuse Death Metal as being a bit formulaic. And that is part of the attraction of any genre, I would argue. Bludgeoning riffing, pummelling drumming and semi-comprehensible vocals are all part of the accepted package. Where "NONCONFORM" differs is the integrated doom and death metal style. "Contempt and Defiance" is explosive yet has echoes of PARADISE LOST's epic sophomore record "GOTHIC". Similar feelings are experienced in the following track "Sadness Filled with Silence", another pulverising heavy track that has concrete weighted riffs that crash down before an eerier, sinister calm descends, allowing for a breath to be taken before the temperature is increased once more. And yet, even here, it's the overall vibe of the song that brings the heaviness to the track, intensity and atmosphere contributing to the overall feel.

 By now I'd got the message. WINGLESS have a different approach and their dark, chilling delivery focuses on the passion of each song to provide an overall record that is intriguing and a little different. There are some flaws. I'm not oversold on Loranc's rather monotone delivery, which suggests that he has limited range. It works well enough due to the nature of the songs here, although a little variation would have been welcome. There's also a couple of tracks that don't quite gel. "Nyctophilia", the preference for darkness, lumbers along without really going anywhere. "Constellations" promises much but doesn't quite push all the buttons.

For all my gripes, this is an entertaining album. I do like the changes in style and format, such as the gentle intro to the eruption of "Drowning in Sadness", a song so miserable that I think MY DYING BRIDE would have rejected it as being too much. "Wingless" is a strong, punishing song which oozes melody whilst retaining the Death Metal edge, and the concluding track "When You're Short of Tears" demonstrates a cultured side to the band with a song that works well.

Several listens of "NONCONFORM" didn't stop me enjoying it at all. It's a solid record, if a little inconsistent at times. Overall, this is a record that provides a little bit of something different, and for that the band should be applauded. Worth a listen.