Arbitrary Method, The - Augmentation (2015)^{Release ID: 65189}

I think I found what might've given Northlane the idea to adopt more modern electronic elements in their later albums. Fellow NSW-based band The Arbitrary Method was only active for short EP in 2015, and that EP, Augmentation showcases a diverse mix of industrial/cyber metal and metalcore, and a small bit of nu metal. It's almost the same kind of blend heard in Northlane's Alien! Plus some touches of Cypecore and 2000s Mechina. Also, don't expect a lot of groove metal here, there's barely any of that...

To be more specific, there are the samples and synths expected in a Sphere release. And there are the simple yet heavy riffing and drums of metalcore, with some lyrics and vocals lean into nu metal territory. The end result is a great small offering that isn't perfect but still enjoyable.

The EP starts with the atmospheric title intro. Then the heavy beat starts in "Divide the Devil". Some of the guitar leads and vocals have a bit of a Trivium vibe in them, and that I love! "The Mirror" cranks up the industrial side in kind of a standard fashion. "Enslaved" has some of the best riffing, though sadly the verses are kind of generic, especially with some annoying background FX. "Defy" is the best track here, sounding quite catchy in the intro and chorus. Another track "Don’t Let Go" doesn't have the same memorability, but it's still OK. "Into Insanity" closes the album with another grand standout, even having Bjorn Strid from Soilwork behind the mic.

Augmentation is a solid EP that takes some cues from the 2000s era of metalcore and, to a lesser extent, nu metal, and gives it a futuristic industrial/cyber metal twist. Such a shame there isn't anything beyond this from the band, but it's worth listening and savoring. A more cyber Mushroomhead, I would say....

Favorites: "Divide the Devil", "Defy", "Into Insanity"