Greezminh - Formaldehyde [2009]

Genre: Electronic/Instrumental/Cybergrind
Label: Unsigned
URL: http://www.myspace.com/greezminh
Country: Toulouse, France
Note: Band request

First of all, I'm not quite sure what Greezminh means (if it actually means anything), but I feel a little repulsed by the name. It doesn't appeal me in any way or form, and if I was only to use the name as a base, I wouldn't give it a try.
Having a total of 5 self-released albums, I'd say Greezminh has it's stack of fans (not only judging by the half naked girls posing with various bodyparts signed GREEZMINH on his myspace page).

As me and my friend are planning on starting our own cybergrind band, I have some hopes that maybe Greezminh will give us some inspiration, and perhaps a good listen. Musically, it's pretty calm and synthish, which is both a plus and a minus. Not a big fan of synth in it's purest form, but some calm cybergrind isn't what you come across very often. Although a very thin line to cross into Cybergrind, there are some elements, like blastbeats and double bass pedals.
What this one-man band is missing is some vocals. Not sure if Lowi is capable doing them himself, but I think it'd be a good addition. However, some instrumental bands are better off without vocals. But maybe he should venture a try.

On a side note, I have to say that almost all songs sound pretty much the same. Pretty monotone, nothing that stands out, it's just the same noises over and over again, which gets pretty boring after a while.

What to think about: Maybe add some vocals, atleast on one song to see how it works. Second, create something that stands out in the songs. Don't make it sound like one neverending song. And maybe decide on a specific genre to lean more to. If you want to be a Cybergrind band, then add guitars and more drums a la wecamewithbrokenteeth. If you want to be a synth band, then... do that. It's a pretty weird combination right now that doesn't quite add up.

Best track: Ex Nihilis
Score: 4/10

The Devil Wears Prada/Your Demise/Jesaiah Live @ Klubben, Stockholm

After arriving rather late, I found out Jesaiah had already begun playing.
Not really fond of their sound, I thought their performance was pretty mediocre. Not was it only I who seemed to think like this, since the whole crowd was basically standing still, with maybe someone bobbing their head. I was expecting a little more from such a known band here in Sweden.
When it was time for Your Demise to enter the stage, the whole crowd went wild. This is what many was waiting for, and they put up quite a show. The vocalist was wearing a flanell shirt, and I though "How the hell can he wear one of those while performing? It oughtta be friggin hot". Turns out it was, and he took it off after the first song, heh.
As I mentioned, Your Demise was pretty darn good live performers. However, having listened to their latest album not too much, I hardly recognized the songs. But it was good nonetheless, although seemed very short.
Headlining The Devil Wears Prada made a good live performance, but the acting leaves A LOT to wish for. First of all, Mike made some extremely ugly faces through his screams. And I mean - UGLY. I could've survived without watching that. Second, James, Mr. Keyboardist, tried a little too much reaching for the crowd. He constantly climbed his keys and pointed out at people in the crowd thinking they adore only him. It was kind of awkward, and he only looked stupid. Third. Sweden isn't a christian country, thus you keep your preaching on-stage to yourself. Seriously. Other than that, they performed very well and they really kept the crowd going. They didn't play as many of the songs I would've loved to hear, but they played just enough.
Overall, pretty solid live show, though left some to wish for. It seemed very short, and I think I would've liked the show a lot more if I wasn't a wuss standing on the side taking pictures and being annoyed by small things the bands did.






(Also, Mike did some devil horns. Isn't that pretty weird for christians to do? Just saying.)