BLIND IMAGE : MORE THAN HUMAN
Roadcrew Records
Blind Image hail from India, and have come to us via a new independent label from that nation, Roadcrew. They peddle a muscular, lively brand of groove metal, which, although maybe not the most original blueprint in the box, sounds promising when wielded with this much enthusiasm, and manages to explore some interesting concepts with the aid of some clever crunch and an almost dangerous degree of bounce. “More Than Human” follows up 2008’s debut, “Psychobabble”, and hopefully this prolificacy hints at fast development and a wealth of new ideas breaking through in the Blind Image camp.
The title track opens proceedings and sets out the modus operandi, all turbulent groove, catchy down-tuned melody and an impressively throaty Phil Anselmo/Robb Flynn roar from vocalist David Simon, but Blind Image refuse to let this album settle within the bounds of a generic template, as the jazzy, dripping melody that opens “Deciphered”, with its bounteous bass underpinning and progressive lead explorations, easily proves. Indeed, for all that warm, clean vocal interludes and shouty, petulantly sweary outbursts (“Allegiance in Defiance”) might turn off the more extreme metal fan, there are plenty of interesting, weird, unboundedly creative moments on “More Than Human” that make it well worth the effort.
Additionally, while some of the song-writing may smack of a decade past, the concept behind this album is bang up to date, exploring as it does the mind-bending possibilities of the Hadron collider, the dramatic implications of which seem to be very fertile ground for Blind Image. The rumbling, powerful, attention-grabbing guitar work of tracks such as “Epitaph” is more potent for its fantastical-scientific background, and the healthy layer of progressiveness that tinges “Axioms of Synergy” and “Deciphered” has a futuristic purpose all of its own.
In all, this is a well-formed and energetic album with an impressive production and an interesting, informed concept. The music has an aggressive undertone for all that it is also clean and melodic, an experimental, rumbling atmosphere which has the capacity to be unpredictable and fresh. With Blind Image’s enviable work ethic and ability to think beyond the boundaries, coupled with the strength of their performance – particularly David’s vocals – they should be able to keep surprising us through future flights of fancy.
70/100
ELLEN SIMPSON
