I often tell people “there is great music out there for those prepared to look”, and a little bit of background research on this band left me somewhat stunned. The reason they sound so incredibly tight is because this quartet have been playing together since 2007 (although they have misplaced their bassist which is now provided by one of the guitarists). In Anna Vavilkina they have one of the most dramatic singers I have come across in recent times who is more than happy to sing gently when the time is right, just so she can provide the coarseness and contrast at others. The use of both styles in “Art of Resistance”, along with some powerful growls, is quite something. This is their fourth album, and I am somewhat surprised to see these guys have yet to be signed, but I wonder if that is because if they are from Moscow! Yes, this is a Russian industrial/death metal act who bring in elements of djent and have been as influenced by the likes of Arch Enemy as they have by Fear Factory. Talking of the latter, there are a number of guest singers on the album, one of which is Burton C. Bell who features on “The Architect”. This is a slower number, with an emphasis on emotion as opposed to attack, and allows Anna to show she can sing harmoniously and high when she wants to, it is just that often she does not want to!

Conflict are a band who can create havoc, slow it down, bring it back and are always in total control of their surroundings. I only have a download, not the CD, but apparently this has been released as a lavish ten panel digi-pack with slipcase and a substantial 32-page booklet that tells the story of this concept story of a dystopian future alongside Anna’s lyrics. Performed in English, this is an incredibly powerful release that fans of the more intense side of metal will do well to investigate. Note must be made of the production as there is real clarity, yet at the same time it is performed with intensity which is direct and complex and while there are subtleties, they tend to hit the listener over the head as opposed to whisper in their ear. Well worth investigating for those who want their metal to contain many influences but is also all-encompassing and while the guest singers make their mark (a special mention to Jayce Lewis and his performance on “Deadlock”) Anna is never overawed and delivers time and again.

Rating: 8/10

Links:
https://conflict-metal.com/