Hailing from the Vaal Triangle and featuring Hardman on vocals Prawn on Rhythm Guitar and supporting vocals, Mike Ramos on Bass and supporting vocals alongside Chris on Drums and lead vocals Diverted Disorder concoct a heady brew which merges Metalcore, Deathcore, Blues and Alternative Rock on ‘Technical Difficulties’ .
When their efforts to combine such a dynamic arsenal hit the mark it works wonders. Their efforts do unfortunately fall short on some occasions due to an inherent discordance evidenced in certain tracks. This inherent discordance detracts from the type of sonic cohesion which is necessary when it comes to successfully executing music of this sort.
Opening with “Intro” which sounds like an instrumental outtake from Metallica’s “Black” album and then leading into first song proper “Empty Entitlement” which acts as a mission statement of sorts concerning what Diverted Disorder are about; a band that combines gritty Grunge oriented bluster, Metalcore bludgeon and Deathcore ferocity ‘Technical Difficulties’ begins in earnest.
It pains me to state that this track and “Ambitions”, although fraught with stellar instrumentation do not fully realize their potential due to off kilter vocal layering and a production that enfeebles the proceedings that ensue.
On the other hand when their high octane hybrid of melodious Grunge and Metalcore might combine with fluidity and magic, a track such as “Tender Loving Defeat” is birthed, one in which all the seemingly disparate elements converge with splendor. This track is a prime example of stellar song-craft in which each of Diverted Disorder’s preferred genres are incorporated into a song in a manner that is measured and mercurial. Herein one is reminded of God Forbid, Bad Wolves and Alice In Chains in equal measure. “Tender Loving Defeat” rolls onward with a melodious and hard hitting hybrid of killer riffs, streamlined tempo changes and scintillating vocals.
“Destroyed By Fate” is a ballad that that I can see holding appeal to those that appreciate the type of emotive, arena ready pomp that it embodies. Again I would be remiss if I were not to state that the production herein is somewhat lacklustre.
Opening with a spiraling riff and froth of vocals that bring to mind Avenged Sevenfold and progressing into a pummelling track that is reminiscent of Demon Hunter “Ignorance Is Bliss” is hampered by a confluence of vocal overlays that with a different EQ would succeed with aplomb. Personally I find that segmenting the clean and growling vocals would be an element that would be beneficial.
“The Void” brings on the Blues and then progresses into a chugging freight train of Deathcore ferocity that would benefit from a far more robust and streamlined production.
“Lost Souls On Elgin Road” is a frenzied mash up of genres that at its best is beautiful and at its worst is overly convoluted and messy.
“Dark Horse” is a chunky riff driven romp. Replete with soaring vocals and violent growls this song is derailed by a manic need to compress a smorgasbord of smoulder into a compact space.
Last song “Friend” is a lilting piano infused ballad that is melancholic and meandering. Yes it is certainly evocative yet simultaneously sold down the river by its lack of shimmer.
I applaud Diverted Disorder for their musical acumen and instrumental prowess. I hear the potential these lads have yet alas have noted that the somewhat substandard production that houses ‘Technical Difficulties’ and the band’s need to, at times over complicate the proceedings with an overabundance of motifs does hamper them from fully realizing their potential.
-Asher Locketz-
https://diverteddisorder.bandcamp.com/album/technical-difficulties