FYELD – “Not Blond Enough to Survyve the Holocaust”

A good result of the long time spent searching for a way out of the desert

To be a survivor of the nu-metal wave long after its quiet death isn’t the best starting position for a band. Back in 2003 when the first Fyeld album came out we still cared what Korn and Limp Bizkit do, nowadays – we hardly do. This band however, has used the time since then well, roaming through the desert looking for a right direction. And they seem to have found one.

The first thing that leaves an impression is the heavier use of electronics and samples in “Not Blond Enough to Survyve the Holocaust”. Timo is now a completely equal member of the band and his role is more apparent than in the first album. And this element adds and extra layer to the music, making it more interesting without losing the focus and heaviness of Fyeld’s sound.

After the electronic intro, where the word “Clear!” is repeated multiple times and you picture a group of panicked doctors shocking the band with defibrillators, bringing it to life after a 6-year sleep, the first song “Suffer my Justice” follows and it is probably the heaviest on the CD. A strong start. “Rolling Spawns” features more rapping and more dynamics between heavy and mellow moments. “This Time” is somewhat different, more melodic, sung mainly by guitarist Emo, having been written mostly by him, and is also one of the faster sinking tracks on the CD.

Other than that you can hear that the melodies and vocal lines have been thought out for a long period of time invested in the process, as they are somewhat crooked, making unexpected turns that at first listen surprise and even confuse the listener. But then when they sink in, you’re instantly hooked, because they hardly sound like anything else. Songs like “Devil in these Guyse” and “Beefinger” are a fine example and this is the album’s strongest side.

The other main strength is its clear production that doesn’t prevent you from hearing all of the abovementioned things. The guitars are powerful, the drums pack enough of a punch, the vocals dominate the sound where they have to, the electronic samples fill in everything without creating chaos. Let’s add the super cool looking artwork to that.

Beauty surely takes time and this is something that applies for Fyeld because their second album not only sounds adequate for 2009 but is also completely killer!

Verdict: 5.5 / 6