Metalcore...the problem with genre labels is that they are so limiting.
Narcissus has a hybrid metal/hardcore song structure and playing style, with a meaty metallic sound. Scattered here and there you will find death metal style chaotic outbursts and trippy guitar effects breaking up the potential monotony. These things make them a good solid "metalcore" band, but what really sets Narcissus apart is their vocals. They don't use the standard hardcore shout, the punk yell, or even the death metal growl...they scream. This is like nothing I've heard before--like a blood-curdling scream. It's kinda scary. Also incorporated are some clean vocals which sometimes "harmonize" with the scary vocals. The one area for potential improvement is songwriting that emotionally draws the listener in. This is not to say that they don't write good songs, or provoke some emotion, but not to a level that makes some hardcore really appealing (i.e. Eso Charis). Production and packaging are all very professional.
Narcissus has just enough going for them to set them apart, and make them worthy of your attention.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #81Reviewed by David M. PoggeThis is metal-core, through and through. Machine gun drums and lightning fast guitar riffs come at you out of nowhere like a tornado only to drop you right into a vicious slow groove that will have you wind-milling with the best of them. John Pope's frantic, hoarse screams are not too far off from that of Zao's. Fans of Zao and Spitfire beware: This CD could become addicting. For ordering info,…Dead Zine 1999Reviewed by undeadThis band hails from Cleveland, Ohio, and man do they bring a style of music all their own. This style can only be compared to metalcore, or chaoscore possibly, but neither of those categories define the music well enough. One thing I really enjoy on this EP is the mixing element of completely shrill screams, and clean vocals in the next breath. Definitely adding to their element is their live…Dead Zine 1999Reviewed by UnknownI could get into this cd a lot more if the name of it didn't remind me so much of Where Blood and Fire Bring Rest. It's ok though, there's not much Zao influence evident. What you're going to find on this cd is some sick metalcore complete with brutal drums and tight, chaotic guitars. The vocals are very original. I hope this doesn't turn anyone off from this cd when I say this, because I dislike…Similar sounding releases
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