Game Over
Crazed
In the second half of the 90's, many different Metal genres appeared due the commercial success from the Alternative/Grunge Rock wave in the beginning of the decade, but due the birth of Groove Metal as well. The commercial acceptance given to PANTERA, SYSTEM OF A DOWN, LINKIN' PARK and SLIPKNOT wasn't a mere random fact, but the way that people could embrace the new formulas. And based upon modernity and chaos is the trio CRAZED, from Netherland, who comes storming with "Game Over", their first album.
On their music pulses influences from modern Metal/Rock, and names as SYSTEM OF A DOWN, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN and PANTERA can come to mind in the middle of the chaotic musical way that they play. It can sound a bit weird for more conservative fans, but as getting used to it, the true shine of their musical talent can be heard. Some dirty melodies from the 90's adorn their music, and the energy from their songs can blow up the speakers, but it can be difficult for some to understand what there are into. The sound quality of "Game Over" could be just a bit better to fit on what their music deserves, but it's not bad. All can be heard clearly and absorbed by the senses, but a better set of instrumental tunes and some sharpening on the sonority (that sounds a bit rawer than the needed) and everything will be fine.
10 songs that defy the listeners (due their modern chaos and changes), but their work can be addictive as it is heard more and more. The mastodonic weight and groove melodies of "Rise in Rage" (very good bass guitar and drums presence, giving support to the changes and weight), the bone-crushing and oppressive guitar riffs of "Story Teller" (where some Groove/Thrash influences can be heard in some parts), the introspective charm of the "The Brittle Wall of Dreams" (a very good performance from vocals, although some evolution will be welcome in the future works), the 'jump-jump' ambiance of "Society Accelerator", and the smashing and melodic weighty approach of "Crossroads" are the best moments of the album.
CRAZED is a talented band, and polishing their potential a bit more, and no one will hold them back. For now, "Game Over" can be said as a funny and good album.
8 / 10
Excellent
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"Game Over" Track-listing:
1. Rise in Rage
2. Story Teller
3. Daggers
4. Tricked
5. The Brittle Wall of Dreams
6. Society Accelerator
7. Summoning Smoke
8. Zebra Race
9. Crossroads
10. Enemy in Front of Me
Crazed Lineup:
Jasper "Captain D' Japp" van der Linden - Vocals.
Geno "Genocide" Ramdaras - Guitars, Backing Vocals
Tony van Hussen - Bass
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