Review by Ashley Perrish
Photo by Amy Asche
Recently, I've had the pleasure of diving deep into every track Mind Incision has released thus far, and let me tell you, it’s been a ride—With each track, they peel back another layer, showing us more of who they are and what they are capable of—and I'm here for it. It didn't take long to see that Mind Incision isn't just talented musically; they've got something significant to say, too.
Hailing from Northern Colorado, Mind Incision specializes in merging modern core elements and traditional nu-metal, creating a sound that's unmistakably theirs. Up front, we've got Jason Neil, former vocalist of Arcanium. On Guitars, Jon Maggard and Kyle Loucks. Throw in the bass stylings of Joel Karschner, and the percussive power of Kelly Morse, and you've got yourself a band with a clear passion for what they do.
The first track the band released was titled "Slaves to the Game.” The track hits hard right out of the gate with a catchy riff and aggressive rhythm. Lines like “You’ll see us again, like moths to the flame,” seem to hint at the path ahead. An anthem with a nod to the people who have supported them through the years, and a promise that they are nowhere near done yet.
Transitioning to a darker theme, "Zero 230" starts with the jarring sound of a gunshot, setting a serious tone that delves into the struggles of soldiers with PTSD. The track's heavy, distorted riffs and harsh vocals create an atmosphere of emotional depth and complexity, offering a salute to those who serve.
Building on the intense themes, "Aneurysm of a Narcissist" features a haunting intro that quickly ramps up into an onslaught of aggressive energy, the lyrics telling a story about dysfunction and power struggles in a toxic relationship. Mixing electronic elements and dynamic vocals against fast-paced instrumentation creates a striking contrast, showcasing the band’s ability to blend intensity with melody.
In a poignant turn, "The Awakening" addresses teen suicide prevention with raw emotion, capturing a powerful musical dialogue from a parent to their child. The song builds from a somber start to a powerful plea, emphasizing that no one should face their darkest moments alone; and that there are people to support you, even if it doesn’t feel like it. It’s a moving piece that shows the band's depth without sacrificing their edge. The guitar work is particularly notable, adding to the emotional depth and almost acting as an additional voice within the song.
Following this emotional journey, the band released the duo "Tattered" and "Torn." "Tattered" begins with a punchy drum intro, leading into a display of the band's skill with fast beats, intricate guitars, and a range of vocal styles. The track's taunting energy and defiant tone make it memorable, demonstrating their ability to blend intensity with complexity. (The repeated verse, “You can always try to hurt me, but I can hurt you too,” gave me Chris Motionless vibes which I particularly enjoyed.) Its dark, gritty atmosphere, complete with maniacal laughter, made this one a standout for me.
Continuing the narrative, "Torn" extends the story with emotionally charged lyrics set against a backdrop of slow, haunting verses and layered vocals, highlighting frontman Jason Neil's vocal range. The electronic textures and guitar work add layers of depth, while the lyrics tell a story of a painful ending, making it an honest and reflective piece. Whenever I do a review, I always pick a favorite or stand-out track, and this was an easy pick for me. I liked the overall vibe of the song, “Torn” was my clear winner.
However, this may have changed when I encountered "Left Behind.” I can’t say too much about this track as it is still unreleased, but I will say that it captivated me at first listen. The song's dark, gritty atmosphere and eerie vibe combined with an infectious chorus burrowed deep into my cold, dead heart and has lingered there since. The music video is scheduled to be released on March 1st, and I’m eager for everyone to experience it for themselves.
From what I can see, Mind Incision is successfully navigating the path they've intended to follow: diving headfirst into creating a modern metal catalog that addresses the tumultuous reality of mental health issues. They approach these subjects with a commendable blend of honesty, authenticity, and a deep sense of empathy. All the while, they manage to retain a level of heaviness and technicality that showcases their skill and cohesion as a band. Their music strikes a chord with fans of Memphis May Fire, Five Finger Death Punch, and I Prevail, among others, offering a sound that's both familiar and original.
With the band's focus sharply on hitting the road and personally having witnessed their electrifying performance live at the Bluebird in Denver last month, I can confidently say that Mind Incision is an act you don't want to miss live. I look forward to seeing what unfolds for them in the future.
