The metal scene never ceases to surprise me as there is always that one emerging band or artist whose music is so well crafted and refreshing that it manages to captivate me on the first listen. Last year, it was Slovenian post-progressive metal band HEI’AN, this year is Norwegian metalcore band FIXATION whose debut album, “More Subtle Than Death,” has been on constant replay throughout its release weekend. The follow-up to the EP “Global Suicide” (2020) came out on September 8th, 2023, via Indie Recordings.
Usually, when it comes to metalcore it’s more about heaviness, the clean/harsh vocal dynamic, and monster breakdowns and less about texture, nuance, and ambiance. So, the first thing that struck me while listening to this album is the sound design as the band seamlessly mix heavy guitar riffs, electronic elements, and hooky choruses into one cohesive, smooth-flowing tracklist where atmosphere and texture dominate. This, in turn, creates an emotionally charged sound that captivates and energizes the listeners in equal measure. Also, there’s considerable variety to be had here with some songs being more poppy, some being really heavy and aggressive, while some are really bombastic and grand in scale.
Even if the tracklist is put together in a traditional way, starting with the hits and more straightforward rock songs only to transition to more experimental tracks during its second half, there is no dip in quality whatsoever. Everything is fresh, modern, and sleek across the board, from the guitars and electronic touches to Jonas Hansen’s vocals which are both the main focus and the driving force of the album. The opening intro, “Impending Fallout,” sets an ominous yet textured mood from the get-go with distorted vocals, strings, and an intense build-up that gives way to “More Alive.” This energetic and dynamic track, which was released as a single last year, features a nostalgic feel thanks to the guitars and vocals, while the subtle electronics give it a refreshing and modern touch.
This nostalgic yet modern vibe continues on both the stadium anthem “Stay Awake” and the catchy “Flat Earth” where the electronic sounds are more present throughout the songs, blending neatly with Martin Selen and Tobias Østerdal’s excellent guitar work. However, it is Jonas Hansen’s vocal delivery and well-penned lyrics that really elevate these tracks, as he sings about current and relevant issues that our society needs to address. Just consider the following lyrics from “Flat Earth” that put things into perspective: “Misinformation can’t be falsified / When you make up the outcome as you speak / When truth becomes whatever you decide / what’s reality?”
With the haunting lead single, “Ignore the Disarray,” the album moves toward a more bombastic and grand soundscape as a wicked bass line grounds the song while the melodic/raspy vocal dynamic and powerful breakdown coupled with the moody backing orchestrations and wonderful build-up make this a real banger. To reiterate an earlier point, the atmosphere and nuances that prevail on this track particularly (and also on the album as a whole) make the listening experience feel in equal parts imposing and ethereal. As tricky as this balance is to get right, FIXATION manages beautifully. The subdued ballad “Bleed” is another example in this respect, as it convinces with its layers of synth and grave bass lines while the vocals are delicate and soulful.
This track acts as a nice respite and breaks the record as the following three songs – “Claustrophobic,” “Violent Tendencies,” and “Dystopia” – are somewhat poppier numbers that, nonetheless, boast a strong melodic backbone. As such, “Claustrophobic” is a synth-driver rocking cut that has the second-best chorus of the album (after “Flat Earth”) elevated by its pop-punk melody while “Violent Tendencies” flows at a brisk pace and has a certain sense of urgency about it that makes for a nice contrast with the rest of the more atmospheric tracks. Again, Martin Gravdal’s bass is busy in the background popping up here and there in the mix. The closer “Dystopia” is the best track on the record, with an incredibly well-build crescendo from a gloomy, simple melody to an explosion of sweeping cinematic orchestrations and commanding vocals that speak about pressing environmental problems, with the underlying message being that “We are the parasite.”
For a debut album, “More Subtle Than Death” is an impressive and well-balanced effort presenting FIXATION as one of the most promising bands around. The album boasts a deceiving simplicity to its soundscape as with each subsequent replay, listeners will discover its layers and complexity which, in turn, gives it a great replay value. There is also a haunting quality to this album that comes from the way the lyrical themes combine with the textured sound design and vocal delivery. Given their attention to detail, raw talent, and top-notch technicality, there’s no small wonder the band toured with Devin Townsend earlier this year and will tour with ANNISOKAY later this year.
For more stories from their tour with Devin Townsend as well as more insight into the album, check out our interview with FIXATION here.
Written by Andrea Crow
Tracklist
1. Impending Fallout
2. More Alive
3. Stay Awake
4. Flat Earth
5. Ignore the Disarray
6. Bleed
7. Claustrophobic
8. Violent Tendencies
9. Dystopia
Lineup
Jonas Hansen | Vocals
Martin Selen | Guitar
Tobias Østerdal | Guitar
Martin Gravdal | Bass
Ola Dønnem | Drums
Label
Indie Recordings
