Narcissus started their young career as a slightly-above-par 'metalcore' band, and worked with the brutal muse for a couple records. They have always shown promise, and possessed a hint of that elusive character trait that elevates one band's efforts above a myriad of similar others, but the question of when tangible manifestation would begin to occur has lingered for a good two-three years or so. Word on the street is that this album — the one where they venture outside of 'metalcore' for a sonic home they can call their own — is the show-em-some one. With hesitation (they are still holding back and raw), I would agree.
To a degree, Narcissus is following Embodyment's lead in the area of sonic evolution, and it is not too much of a stretch to say that Becoming Leviathan is around the same level of kinetic energy that Narrow Scope was. Narcissus' ideas, notions, their trepidatious yet reconciled mish-mosh of metal and punk rock — it's all evident and taking shape, but not completely executed yet. Basically, they want so badly to nail the kind of ridiculously vicious, erratic hooks that System of a Down can level out, but are still missing that aloof but all-important crazy man muscle fiber. But it will come.
"Twin Allergy" kicks off the disc, pounding through a typical 'metalcore' intro that fades into a low-end driven melody and some off-kilter crooning, which in turn gives way to some throaty braying and driving beats and chasing guitars (great guitar tone, by the way, a positive, variable factor that shines throughout the album). Borrowed riffs in places may distract, but the pensive snake-charming "Sending the Current," which essentially acts as a two-minute instrumental segue, quickly recaptures attention and builds a nice tension for the launch of "Voida," Narcissus' melodic coupe de grate. Banshee screams are used to polish off climaxes, which is usually gratifying. "Ambient Diablo" builds slowly to a Stavesacre / Embodyment-ish chorus. "November '94" is their return to form metal-punker, and stands out with snotty leads and Refused-like breakdowns. "End" is another instrumental segue, but this time acts as a soothing element. "Loculus" finishes things with a seven-minute exercise in guitar scales and melodic transitions that eventually meanders its way to a strong, anthemic close. This record deserves some of its buzz, and promises a bang-up sequel.
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis 2001Reviewed by Nate BaileyNarcissus is from Ohio. This is their second full length on Takehold records. I have really enjoyed "Newwave Techno Homicide" (Narcissus's first release with Takehold) and so when I heard that they had taken their sound in a new direction I was terribly disappointed. But after listening to "Becoming Leviathan," all I can do is sit with my mouth on the floor. In an attempt to describe this album I…Dead Zine 2001Reviewed by Hey YouI really like these guys. I'm really big into crazy vocals, and these are some of the craziest. This CD is more like the last one, but it goes even farther into the realm of the eclectic. The music is really uplifting when he is singing, but then becomes brutal like we remember from their first release. The main difference is the vocals. As I just said, he sings really well, but his signature…Similar sounding releases
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