Album Review

Motionless In White – Infamous

• 13th Nov 2012

Motionless In White are seemingly like Marmite: it appears that they’re either loved or hated and there’s a fine line between the two. The sextet surged onto the metalcore scene releasing their debut album ‘Creatures’ and now they return with their second full length offering ‘Infamous,’ and having only briefly listened to them before I am going into this as open minded as possible.

‘Black Damask (The Fog)’ opens the record, introducing the sextet’s second release with haunting piano, creating an eerie ambience in the opening seconds of ‘Infamous.’ This abruptly kicks into roars and rapid riffs, but be warned this was not to be expected after the initial opening. After listening to this first track I wonder who thought that it would be a good idea to include this unnatural transition in the opening seconds of the first track.

‘Devil’s Night’ combines synthesisers with foreground death riffs in sections throughout the track but then features verses that sound like they’ve been taken from Slipknot’s ‘Psychosocial.’ I’ve never grasped this synth/metal combination, perhaps this is the sextet’s attempt at being ‘unique’.

By this point I’ve figured that Motionless In White’s goal with ‘Infamous’ must have been to demonstrate as many vocal styles as possible, as evident in ‘The Devine Infection.’ This time there is what appears to be a Marilyn Manson vocal imitation attempted in the verses, along with distorted, spoken, sung and screamed vocals within the space of the 3 minute 38 seconds of the track. With somewhat disturbing lyrics there seems to be a pent up anger being released in this album which can also be said for ‘Hatefuck,’ a track featured later in the record.

‘Synthetic Love’ is another haunting track with the keyboards creating a supernatural ambience. This has a mid-pace and the melodies compliment the ambience produced by the keyboards. The vocals in this track provide a sing-a-long, almost (dare I say it) anthemic chorus and is so far a standout track on ‘Infamous.’ Either I’ve grown to their sound or the record improves as it goes on, but ‘Underdog’ has a captivating hook with both an infectious rhythm and lead guitar part, alongside an interactive group vocal and better solo vocals in sections.

‘Infamous’ is a very intricate record and Motionless In White’s talent for the most part is admirable, but the sextet should stick to what they’re good at by exploring screamed vocals more often. The issue is that the band has tried too hard in experimenting with vocal styles when in fact this has weakened their sound. Apart from this ‘Infamous’ is a commendable record and the band is consistent with their haunting and brutal sounds. I can only assume that if you like Motionless In White, you will like this record.

Venue: Infamous
Support Band: Fearless