DUSK OF DELLUSION – (F)unfair

DUSK OF DELLUSION – (F)unfair

The French ensemble named Dusk of Delusion recently released this 12-track record of theirs and although all the promotional information that came with the CD suggests that we are dealing with a nu-metal band, it sounds way more like melodic metalcore to yours truly. But let us just agree to call it a mixture of nu-metal and metalcore then. There are nods to the first album by Devildriver as well as "The Burning Red" by Machine Head here and there. The Norwegian band Deride also comes to mind in places. Anyway, Dusk of Delusion offer loads of groovy riffs, thick and powerful bass lines, and hard-hitting drums. These guys have a good ear for melodies and "(F)unfair" lacks neither energy nor variety. In other words, the album as a whole is a dynamic affair from a purely musical point of view. Having said that, the vocals lack power and charisma, which is a huge drawback as they are anything but convincing. That they add neither substance nor depth to the songs is pretty damn frustrating. The concept and theme of the disc are interesting, but the lyrics are a little too run-of-the-mill and pedestrian to really make an impact on one. The standout cut is the atmospheric and brooding "Wooden Horses" while the low point is the dreadful album closer entitled "Take Me".

"(F)unfair" is a decent album in that the songs are nicely arranged and well-produced, but it neither stands out among similar releases nor makes a huge and memorable impression as such. Still, it is not without its merits and qualities, but do not expect to be utterly blown away by this one – it is too derivative and emotionally unengaging in places for that. Simply put, Dusk of Delusion have a lot of cool and wicked ideas in places, but they need a sound and an identity of their own if they wish to stand out and turn into a frightening metal force to reckoned with.