1917 from Argentina have been around a very long time and over the span of more than twenty five years have seen their reputation rise as many time as they've endured line-up changes. I remember discovering this band back in 1997 and after so many years of losing contact with Alejandro, Thanks to the internet this new album arrived in my hands. "Omnicrisis" is an album with something to prove. Few bands this deep into a discography are able to bring much passion and energy to their music but that's exactly what 1917 does. "Omnicrisis" crackles with energetic life: choppy, staccato chords and blurred tremolo riffs coupled to heaving, chunky basslines and tremendously powerful drumming - all slathered in a brutal atmosphere for horror and oppression. The band strides the Death/Black demarcation perfectly, crafting superb slowdowns of despair. And they've added a few new wrinkles to the mix too. It's an incredible experience, especially on headphones. Alejandro Sabransky delivers a fully demonic performance perfectly attuned to the band's occult lyrics. He is also in fine guitar fettle with brilliant riffs and flashes of genius in the few solos he delivers. In a genre rife with stagnation and imitation, it is refreshing to hear another SouthAmerican veteran band answer the challenge of their younger peers and then casually brush them aside with an album so masterly that it is somewhat hard to fathom. Overall, this is a perfect Extreme metal album. There are no flaws and everything about it is perfect from the guitar tone, to the fitting solos, to the drumming, and the bass playing. It all fits together perfectly like an elaborate puzzle. 1917 continue to progress and inspire and "Omnicrisis" is a true highlight of their discography. They have managed to pull off the difficult task of staying true to their roots while at the same time updating and tweaking their sound !!
Band contact:
FB /1917metal
nn1917@hotmail.com
Review by Paul Caravasi
