Independent releases from metalcore bands are always so hit or miss as just about anyone with a decent computer and a working knowledge of any DAW can churn out something coherent. But Canadian band WAZMO from Nova Scotia are at the very least unique in that their sound is different enough and so it deserved a second listen, despite my realization that their debut "Insight" was entirely self-produced. The project is mostly a vehicle for guitarist and lead vocalist Alex Hamilton. He began writing in 2019 and was able to record, edit and produce it in time for a 2020 release which is impressive on its own. Joining in the project is bassist/vocalist Wiliam Ballard - who is featured alongside Hamilton in their "play-along" video for their song "Shift" on Youtube - as well as James MacDonald as guitarist/vocalist and Johnathan "Alfie" Corkum on the drums.

Highly ambitious and a bit of a hodgepodge of genre influences, "Insight" does not slouch on creativity. It tackles many lyrical themes while focusing on struggling with depression and finding ways to fight through the darkness to find happiness and joy in what little a person can. In addition, Hamilton found a lot of inspiration from the book "The Celestine Prophecy" about a man's journey for meaning and transition into a new phase of life. "Shift" embodies these themes, finding coincidences in life, connecting them into a greater meaning or destiny and creates a shift or transition for the person. Stylistically, there are many different elements from different metal genres such as the low-tuned and arrhythmic djent and the undercurrent growling of deathcore but keeps everything loosely together with catchy, harmonious choruses that are common for metalcore.

"Insight" is their debut album and while it is successful at turning heads, it runs into many of the creative pitfalls that come with trying to create something unique in the giant metalcore pool. From the start with the grandiose instrumental opener "Spellcaster" they had my interest. But that's followed by the disjointed "Borrowed Eyes" and I'm disappointed by the poor mixing and seemingly random guitar lines strewn about. I'm not sure if I ever had a whiplash change of opinion on a band. But then "Hands at Work" turns it around with almost progressive metal sounding layering of vocals and quick rhythmic changes. The exploration continues in "Sever" - my favorite track right now - with its switching vocal delivery and fast unrelenting chugs, it's quite thrilling. However, the jumps in many stylistic runs can feel clunky at times, feeling more pieced together from parts as METALLICA used to do so well but have failed to keep consistent since the 80s. WAZMO clearly have the ability to break through and be something unique. My advice would be to seek out a producer and engineer to help sort through the multitude of ideas Hamilton clearly has and create something truly stunning for their sophomore effort.