NUCLEUS – Sentient
- by Matt Coe
- Posted on 17-04-2016
Chicago, Illinois consistently pumps out a bevy of heavy music talent through the years in a variety of genres. Nucleus is another band worthy of attention through their sci-fi oriented brand of death metal on their first full-length "Sentient". This 9 song effort has a lot of 90’s qualities in terms of the punishing sound, deep tones, and semi-progressive stance – and yet nothing is too over the top as there are some seriously addictive and catchy riffs on display. Think Atheist meets Bolt Thrower and Demilich and you have an aural picture of what to expect.
Ryan Reynolds’ bass often adds a third dimensional thickness to the evil trilling and groove-oriented double bass drumming within "Insurgent" and "Dosadi", two highlights of many on the record. Occasional blast beats have dynamic purpose, and the guitar interplay between Dan Ozcanli and Dave Muntean is outstanding, teaming up or offering individual perspectives that can be energetic and outer worldly ("Cantos" a particular mindbender).
Nucleus have a conscious need to balance the musicianship with steady hooks – making "Sentient" a welcome addition to any death metal followers collection.