Almost since its inception, the phenomenon that we know as heavy metal has consistently undergone what can only be described as mass segmentation; dividing artists into countless sub-genres in a perceived attempt to categorize freshly birthed bands into groups that are more comfortably grasped by onlookers. However, because the vast majority of metal outfits carry influences from multiple of said sub-genres, simply carrying the “metal” flag is typically the most desirable. And Greeley’s Infinite Conscious has succeeded in doing just that.
Since forming in the fall of 2014, Infinite Conscious has been making waves in the Northern Colorado music scene, opening for such well respected veterans of the wide genre as Otep, Powerman 5000 and Hed PE. Their unique ability to effortlessly combine groove and death metal riffs, drum patterns to match, and vocals that range from clean, to dirty, to all-out black metal screams has solidified Infinite Conscious’ reputation as one of the region’s dark forces to be reckoned with, as made evident with their latest, aptly titled EP, Becoming.
Becoming comes out of the gate swinging, with the opening track “Finally Breathe” echoing elements of such noted genre-spanning influences as Soilwork and Killswitch Engage with a groove-oriented, almost infectious head-nodding riff, complemented by frontman Chris Blackman’s gritty yet melodic vocals. The record’s sonic journey at times incorporates an eerie, clean vocal style reminiscent of Type O Negative’s Peter Steele, while spontaneously turning a dark, dungeonous (if I may) atmosphere into that of an all-out brawl.
Another notable track from Becoming, the morose “Insecure” showcases Infinite Conscious’ ability to slow their pace into near ballad territory, while maintaining their heaviness with unapologetically aggressive passages. As the band shifts from solemn to aggro, Blackman alternates between clean and gritty vocals, adding to the unnerving tension of the song.
With Becoming, Infinite Conscious has not only succeeded in paying offerings to the gods of the riff, but have also created a dark, adrenaline-pumping hunk of metal that caters to headbangers across the board.
Catch Infinite Conscious at The Moxi Theater March 23 with Triton. Tickets at moxitheater.com Nate Wilde is an on-air personality for 107.9 KBPI, Radio 94.9 and 92.9 The Bear
