Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Neurotech - Blue Screen Planet (2011)
I've already been familiar with Neurotech via a few later songs and several of those long Symphonies. And now it's time for me to explore further back into the discography of one of the most underrated acts of one of the most underrated subgenres of all, cyber metal. Blue Screen Planet is a two-track EP with the first track being a 10-minute epic and the other being a laid-back instrumental of almost the same length.
Similarly to Mechina's Conqueror, Blue Screen Planet marks Neurotech's transition from a standard industrial/cyber metal band to one that's more symphonic and setting up a conceptual universe. Also similarly to that Mechina album, it doesn't entirely pay off as it should...
"Part I - Axiom" is a bombastic journey of symphonic cyber metal... Well, too bombastic. Some parts are overdone, which very much exemplifies the paraphrased adage, "Too many ingredients spoil the broth." While this epic is still solid, his 10-minute explorations are better explored in the later symphonies. Interesting how I like the instrumental "Part II - Revelation" more. Most metalheads and more upbeat music listeners can't go past the first half of this serene Hans Zimmer-like composition, but I can! It's amazing how magical this piece sounds as it transports you out of the harsh reality of Earth into the astral plane. It works well with the video game No Man's Sky. So instead of unleashing metal in maximum power, let the cool ambience move you into this different dimension. By the 5th minute, you'll already be one with the multiverse.
The origin of Wulf expanding the soundscapes within his Neurotech project is all in this EP. Lots of great ideas from calm to blasting, from soothing piano to crushing guitar! Though the instrumental is more balanced than the epic. As beautiful and intriguing as this EP is, it's more of a side-order than a main dish....
Favorites: Both tracks, though I like "Part II - Revelation" more.