PAINDIVISION - One Path

This here is the second release of Australia’s Paindivision (their debut was the self-titled released in 2007) which I admit was a bit confusing. Judging by the cover (a bad habit I must say..) with the bloody knuckle dusters and the title “One Path” I first thought “oh well …another Hardcore release” and by listening the opening track “Flames Of The Reaper” I seemed to be right. But things began to change as I continued listening to the album as Paindivision seem to be changing their musical style. They are not of these bands who play Hardcore with some Classic Heavy Metal elements (commonly known as Metalcore). This album contains some classic Hardcore NY style tracks along with some pure Heavy Metal ones. I mean…while you are listening to a track that reminds you of the old Pantera or Crowbar, the next one comes with a devastating metal riff in the style of latest Rage.
\r\nI don’t know whether they are still experimenting with their sound or they haven’t found their musical identity yet, the fact is that they are quite good in both styles.
\r\nThe production is very powerful and makes the tracks quite groovy, something essential to the whole result. The riffs vary depending on the musical style but they don’t seem to lack in power or inspiration. Vocal parts are the classic harsh hardcore style while in the more heavy songs vary from Motorhead’s growls to Alice In Chains’s melodic singing!
\r\nThe band definitely consists of talented musicians while their real ace are the awesome lead parts breaking here and there.
\r\nIn conclusion Paindivition are nothing new for the genre but I think that what they do, they do well and for that only, friends of Hardcore and melodic metal must at least give them a chance.
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\r\nDimitris Karantounias\r\n