Review: Nemesea - In Control [Rock/Electronic]

Nemesea have certainly changed over the past few years, from the mournful, yet beautiful brand of symphonic metal they produced on debut, 'Mana', to this, the opposite type of gothic metal. With more electronics, no more orchetras and no more choirs, vocalist Manda has even given her operatic vocals a rest. But the question is, was it worth it?

The album opens with the extremely radio-friendly, punchy track 'No More'. The verses are delicately whispered by Manda, before the band kick in for the powerful chorus. It's almost impossible to remember the bands darker past, when this catchy album is in your hands!

The title track; 'In Control' is less impressive. Sure, it has psychadelic undertones, catchy beats, and a simple verse-chorus-verse formula, but wait a second, so did 'No More'. 'In Control' is by no means a terrible song, it's not even remotely bad, it's simply forgettable.

'Home' is the third track, and opens in a rather predictable way, the same effects are hidden beneath Manda's beautiful voice [the saving grace of the CD, so far]. However, when the chorus lashes out, unexpectedly, i am made to eat my words, it all fits together, the chorus is extremely professional, beautiful vocal lines and a lovely melody intertwine, to create the standout track of 'In Control'

Fellow Sellaband-victor, Cubworld appears in the next song. Granted, the song is a refreshing change from the same old electronics, but i can't help but feel that 'The Way I Feel' could have been so much better, and more powerful. The positive note is the succesful merge of Cubworlds acoustic ambience, and Nemeseas beautiful arrangements, aswell as Manda's breathtaking vocals, once again dominating the attention of all who listen in.

The CD proceeds with 'Lost Inside'. The song would sure enough embed inside your brain, and after a few listens, it's easy to sing along, the repetition of the line; 'I Can't Tell You' is very powerful, and well thought out. The lyrics are once again, interesting, and forward, as with most songs on the CD, however, another feeling tells me, the song could have been so much better, if it wasn't so similar to the other tracks of 'In Control'.

'Remember' is one of the truly weak tracks on 'In Control'. It's hard to be so negative towards a lovely band, but this song truly is 'filler' material. A boring song, that has been done time and time again. The only positive comment i can muster for this track is the heavy electronics sounding not-too-bad.

Thank goodness for 'Believe', another great song, a heavy, mid-paced, easy on the ear track that is a nice change, and to hear Manda reach her true potential is great. One of the most enjoyable tracks from the album, sounding like a mix between Sheryl Crow and Korn.

'Like The Air' is a nice song, and i regret to say, i wished the album ended here. The song has the most beautiful lyrics of all the tracks, and the wonderful chorus has been a favourite of mine, since it's demo stages. Perhaps, not the most original song, but still incorporating Nemesea sound. A rare hilight of 'In Control'.

The final two tracks 'Broken' and 'Never', on first listen give you a strange sense of Deva Ju. Due to the severe lack of originality, despite the chorus of 'Broken' being slightly bareable, the two songs truly should have been left out of the album. They give nothing to the sound, and achieve even less. An anti-climax, for sure.

Overall, the latest Nemesea album, though it pains me to say it, is dissappointing. Nothing you haven't heard before, and could easily be re-enacted for free, by playing the latest Clubbers Anthems compilation over a Korn CD. Nothing special, and rather boring. By all means, download the standout tracks; 'Home', 'Believe', and 'No More'. But sadly, i've lost almost all my interest in Nemesea for the time being.

Nemesea Official
Nemesea @ Sellaband
Nemesea @ Myspace