As the Polish 3-piece Inverted Mind are tagged online as sludge and doom metal, initially I couldn’t help think I’d put on the wrong CD. Personally, I consider “Three Faces of Madness” as pretty much out and out hardcore. However, I can’t speak for the rest of their back catalogue, as the latest release from Inverted Mind is just too damn good, that I’ve yet to delve any deeper.
Whatever the band or label wish to file the album under, it doesn’t matter really. As from the opening track “Ship to Nowhere” I was hooked regardless. Inverted Mind make you want to throw horns in a sweaty venue and slam on the dancefloor.
Although, if you want a go-to track, then I’d strongly recommend any hardcore fan to check out “Goblet of Fury”. It benefits from the guest backing vocals, providing the words with that extra definition. While the mid-song breakdown gives room to the rumbling bassline and a chance to unnerve the listener.
The title of “Three Faces of Madness” is in reference to the album being split into three parts, as for why I’m unsure. Either way, it’s the longer tune “Looking for Shelter” from the 2nd act (Psychosis) that presents the album’s first real sign of those sludge and doom influences. The vocals also change direction to accommodate the slight shift in musical style, as they do again on the 7-minute album closer “Nothing Left”.
Despite the occasional stoner riff and clean vocals, “Three Faces of Madness” by Inverted Mind is at it’s best during the aggressive shorter numbers. The use of the backing vocals adding a fitting punch to the chanted choruses, while Jan Slomski’s leads are screamed with the anguish the lyrical content deserves.
Mr Teeth Reviews has been left suitably impressed and may-well have to check out the band’s previous releases.
“Three Faces of Madness” by Inverted Mind
Out now on Defense Records/Mythrone Promotion.
Inverted Mind Three Faces of Madness
