Diversant:13 - New World Disorder

Just two days from now, Diversant:13 will be releasing their next full length album New World Disorder. Already teased with the Equinox single, hype for the album has been steadily building for quite some time. The Belorussian hooligans come sporting in with a twelve track album, with one track featuring Russian artist Omnimar, with two remixes from dark electro act Cygnosic and from label mates Freaky Mind.

Equinox was the first track to hit off the album, and as it was already discussed previously, I'll just say that it's a good opening track that deserves it's time in the light. Borderlands delivers another track in the same fashion as the previous; vocals are aggressive, distorted, and more guitar work and drum work overpowers the electronics. However, there were a few segments where the electronics got their solo outing, and worked well. From Leave The Hope Alone to Spit The Fire Out, my opinion generally remained the same. Good songs, driven by guitar work and drums, with the electronics serving as a solid backbone for all to stand on. It got a bit boring listening to what seemed like similar sounding tracks with the same vocal presentation in each, but that's why the next track was so refreshing.

Here Comes The Storm slowed down the pace, and changed the vocals. Not as distorted, but more human this time around, the track called back to The End of Days, and was absolutely beautiful. It sounded as if it should have belonged on their previous work.

But, then it was back to what we've already experienced. Don't get me wrong; the tracks are hard and powerful, giving off great beats and riveting musical works, but after coming off the previous track, I couldn't help but feel let down. The additional vocals on New World from Omnimar on New World also added in a new touch, as well as the rhythm that was more melodic and instrumental than before. So, that was good.

Spit The Fire Out got a remix from Cygnosic, and was decent. A faster electronic beat that got rid of the guitar work in exchange for a more EBM centric beat came about. Different, but nothing to get your mouth watering over. Freaky Mind's turn on Better Be Dead was very interesting. Really grinding down with synths, with vocals very light and electronic, it was an unexpected twist. Again, not the best remix in the world, but it managed to reinvent the track in a manner I would not have expected.

And, in the end, I don't come off this album completely astonished, rather slightly disappointed yet fulfilled. I understand that musicians need to move forward with their material, which Diversant:13 have managed to pull off very well, but the fact remains that a lot of these tracks I find to be rather similar than not. I guess that's why I appreciated Here Comes The Storm so much. Placed within the center of the album, and absolutely stunning me with it's gorgeous tones, it really breathed a new life into the album when it so desperately needed it.

I think what needs to happen is further progression. I like the sound that they have going on; if they continued on a path of releasing the same material from previous exploits, the band would become stale. So, kudos for expanding in sound. However, now they need to experiment more, create songs that are completely distinguishable from one another to really capture the listener's attention. These guys are good at what they do. They just need to hit their full potential. Nov 26 2014