NASSON – Scars

Checking out new bands and debut albums is always something that I am looking forward to, and this one by the Chilean melodic heavy metal trio known as Nasson was no different. Actually, Nasson himself is the main man behind this project as well as the primary songwriter here, and some of you may be familiar with his work with Sinner’s Blood already. What I am trying to say is that I had high hopes for “Scars” as it looked appealing when glancing at the song titles and artwork not to mention that the aforementioned gentleman is a talented vocalist, but where do we really stand with this one? Let us find out, shall we?      

With its groovy riffs, state of the art production, punchy sound, and good vocals, this could have been a real contender in the modern metal scene and a musical force to be reckoned with, but sadly, the compositions lack staying power. Apart from the epic power ballad “On the Other Side” and the energetic “King of Lies”, there is very little that sticks to one’s memory after having listened to it several times. While the former tune is arguably the darkest, most brooding, and introspective piece on the disc, the latter boasts a great chorus and some strong vocal melodies, and I just wish that there had been more songs here that were as robust and well-written as those two. I was hoping for something a little more inspired and fresh sounding, and in the overall perspective, “Scars” is a generic and unremarkable offering. A tight and professional-sounding LP with a current sheen to it but quite lackluster in terms of quality, substance, and longevity.