Claemus - EP Review: Claemus
-Released 11th November 2016
-Mordecai Records
Hailing from Wellington's Hutt Valley Claemus is a three-piece Progressive Rock/Metal fusion band that has been slowly but surely making themselves very apparent within the local New Zealand music scene.
With their 2015 single Stuck in the Fade making waves with a borderline Nu-Metal sound mixed with a clear ballad style rock influence, it is easy to see why these guys are unique and very hard to squeeze into a specific genre.
The first track and single from the E.P Duchenne Smile contains infectious bass lines and lyrics while at the same time providing a dynamic clash of emotions. This track feels like waking up on a Sunday morning to a panoramic view and hot coffee.
The next two tracks are a part one and two series named Aspire with part one coming in very cold but picking up the pace as it progresses with a headbanger friendly riff. We see the vocals transform into a harmony of deathly undertones, revealing this band's dark side and also their diverse nature.
Part two is a clear continuation part one but this time the end game is quite the opposite. Ballad style vocals erupt from beneath a rally of drums and bass, peppered with frantic guitars to create a sense of urgency within the track. Leaving the listener with a clear imprint of their unique sound.
This self-titled E.P takes us on a serious ride from one corner to the other and back! In just three songs.Claemus is probably my favourite New Zealand band at the moment. A real testament to what can be done when playing with the chemistry between different genres. -Matt Mutinous -5 stars
About Claemus
Starting in late 2011 the band aimed to achieve new sonic possibilities in the progressive rock genre by fusing ambient textural sounds, deep rhythmic grooves and catchy hooks. With influences ranging from Karnivool, Mudvayne, God is an Astronaut and Shpongle it is clear that Claemus want to be defined by a musical approach rather than a particular genre. Claemus’ musical approach can be characterised by a philosophy that aims to give each song a unique feeling often resulting in varying dynamics, time signatures and key changes in the one song.
Claemus has been together for five years and are based in the Hutt Valley which is a largely suburban area located outside of Wellington. The experience of growing up in a small town with an uncultured stereotype attached to it has served as serious musical inspiration. Instead of adhering to the stereotype ascribed by outsiders, the band aims to encourage youth to pursue creative outlets and be proud of their roots. Pursuing a creative outlet has enabled Claemus to slowly become an exciting band on the rise within the Wellington scene.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Claemus
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