Neurotech - Infra Versus Ultra (2014)^{Release ID: 4271}

Neurotech had been built up slowly and steadily at that point. The releases Wulf made for the project are all good though starting off a bit rough in the debut Antagonist. It seemed like he had his own mission to achieve, which was to try to find the right balance for his sound, one that would truly show what his project is all about. And with his second album (3rd if including the Decipher Volumes), he's just about got it!

Infra Versus Ultra greatly defines Wulf's contribution to the futuristic industrial metal subgenre that is cyber metal. It is something so unique, so mesmerizing. Neurotech has perhaps pushed Mechina off the epic cyber metal throne, at least with what the two bands were doing at the time.

The album and its story begins "(Infra) I", a smooth galactic intro that slowly rises. The buildup leads to the kickoff, with "Atlas" hitting the stage hard. The guitarwork sounds like it has practically been taken from 90s Fear Factory. I was almost expecting Wulf to unleash his earlier growling vocals. What's different compared to Fear Factory is, Wulf prefers to make his style more melodic than mechanical. Although he has distance from his earlier growls, his cleans have multiple layers that are like angels transcending from the cyber heavens. No matter which vocal style he goes for, it lets him stand out amongst the cyber/industrial metal crowd. "The Longest Time" is a truly catchy hit. As is "Unleashing the Dead" which is another unique standout.

"The Art of Forgiveness" takes the Fear Factory influences further, this time from one of that band's longer ballads. Only one track has left me stumped, that one being "(Versus) You". That interlude isn't all that uplifting. In saying that, "Sacrifice" isn't much of a metal track either, but it mixes other sounds so beautifully.

Next track "Transcendental" indeed transcends through different dimensions as Wulf guides you through, "Let's go, let's hide away, for a while". Then "When the Night Falls" starts with dramatic symphonic synths that almost made me think it would lead to an Eternal Tears of Sorrow song, before having the usual Neurotech drift. The melancholic closing track "(Ultra) Us" has the perfect music and lyrics to end this cyber metal adventure.

What more can you ask for from Neurotech?! Metal anthems, melancholic ballads, electronic samples, catchy beats... Everything you want from this band! We're in a century where the music realms have much more than in the past, and any open-minded listener should listen to Infra Versus Ultra and add it to their playlist. The future is here!

Favorites: "Atlas", "Unleashing the Dead", "Sacrifice", "Transcendental", "(Ultra) Us"