Foreign Objects "Galactic Prey" (2015)

 

Nostalgic adventures to bands of years gone past often yield surprises! Not only did I learn of The Undiscovered Numbers & Colors nine years prior to Universal Culture Shock but also this one, Galactic Prey, released eleven years on after reuniting as a band. Its been rather quiet since then and perhaps we can expect the next installment to come a half decade on, given their timely track record! With this in mind, they could easily be forgiven for any transformation in identity time has brought with it.

And that shift in tone is obvious from the get go. Initially finding myself stiff to the change, familiarity showed it is the character and spirit that excels here. The Technical Death Metal aspect of old feels steered more to an Arena Metal energy akin to Avenged Sevenfold. The color once heard bleeding from the guitars gets a dazzling new direction fit for a big stage and summer festivals. There is much passion in Deron Miller and newly on-boarded Kenneth Hunter's presence. The duo's vocals soar as a focal point, alongside blazing guitar solos that routinely step into the limelight. It is a trying chemistry, honest and sincere yet always slightly off note.

As one to not digest lyrics well, it really felt like the words were being thrust forth with a grand sense of theme. Wrapped around it lively instrumentation built a vivid landscape of color and aggression woven with a captivating spirit. From here many ambitious experiments blossomed and charmed with vocal effects and other manipulations creating some wonderful moments beyond the normal pallet of sounds. Saman Ali plays a wonderful roll with the keyboards, often subtle with aesthetics and timely with inflections of melody, his performance feels possibly under utilized as the electronic and symphonic aspects were class when in focus

When there record fumbles is in production. With a budget of thirteen grand, the fidelity is demo like, competent and punchy but unbalanced and frequenting audio clashes the snappy music pushes through. It does blemish a lot of the music and does not do it justice. The album's title track is also written by a different musician, Jonathan Masi. Its main riff feels like a rehash of an old Foreign Objects song, which is rather akin to the CKY sound, which this record has quite a few flushes with. Its definitely a good thing. Ultimately I'm left feeling like this would of been an utterly engrossing album under better guidance and direction because the music itself always sounds paces better than its muddied, crowded aesthetic.

Rating: 7/10

Foreign Objects "The Undiscovered Numbers & Colors" (1995)

 

Excited to dive into an extra helping of recently revived magics enjoyed years back, this five track EP was sadly not at the level of the lively Universal Culture Shock released nine years later. In that time between the duo had formed and toured with CKY, undoubtedly becoming better musicians in the process. Whats remarkable is how keen the music by these two young high school teenagers actually is.

The Undiscovered Numbers & Colors is again a Progressive Death Metal project, inspired by the evolving scene of the decade and smothered with melody. They have forged quite the upbeat, vibrant sound, jostling with technical feats and discordant creativity, the music flows through a web of intricacies weighted by the rough throaty shouts of Deron Miller and Jess Margera's dexterous percussive might.

The core of the music resides in the guitars and drums. Its fun, lively, chained by aggression and lifted by its color. Along for the ride an ambiguous synth section aligns the music with a thin string backing, odd noises and the occasional drones of noise that sounds like audio feedback. Strangely I like its presence in this form, slightly alien and unsightly. Delve opens up another strand with a gorgeous keyboard intro on a bright luscious piano. Its darkly majesty quite the shift in tone but its enjoyable.

Ultimately I'm left with a familiar feeling that comes from exploring old records I missed out on at the time. It will be cliche but I would of bonded with this one much more in my youth. As I final remark I'd say for a supposed demo the production quality is impressive. The instruments are punchy, vibrant and distinct, something other extreme bands where just figuring out around this era in time. Impressive.

Rating: 5/10

Foreign Objects "Universal Culture Shock" (2004)

 

A current record on rotation has been giving me some serious CKY vibes. More so two thirds of the line-up, Jess Margera and Deron Miller, on this adjacent project Foreign Objects! Its a gem of a record, taking that unique and dynamic sound of Camp Kill Yourself into a Extreme Metal direction with guttural vocals and an aptitude towards the more progressive and technical aspects of instrumentation. Don't be fooled, for all its flash the foundations are built with fantastic song writing and a flair for melody that has its crunchiest of riffs flowing with colors. Its parallel to a handful of metallic genres yet stands triumphantly apart with its warm embrace.

Foreign Objects was actually formed before CKY and with the viral success of the VHS videos and Jackass, it seems the pair decided to revive their ambitions with this sophomore album after Infiltrate Destroy Rebuild. That sound is apparent throughout but more so in its earlier songs. As the album progresses, more Death Metal influences to the likes of Cynic and Atheist end up showing themselves a touch nakedly with sections that lean on some of the tropes like dis-harmonized melodies and meatier guitar riffs. Its all fantastic but the album does start like a rocket.

 The self titled track and Genesis 12A leap from the speakers, the music more colorful, interwoven and going on a fantastic journey of colorful aggression melding its tuneful nature between groove and gusto with Jess wilding out on his drums with an animated performance set to strike all cymbals and toms frequently between the foundations of his patterns. Its wonderfully engaging and Deron's harsh throaty growl shouts have charm but less in the aesthetic and more so the timing and delivery. He sounds impassioned and it makes the songs come to life with his better lines.

I could heap on the praise but not everything is perfect. The albums production is a touch harsh and lacking budget but the music attitude fortunately punches right through its rough edges. As mentioned the album tends to drift to its less creative songs, passing an amazing Disengage The Simulator cover on the way out which fizzles out with the toned down Victory Over Neptune transitioning into a sombre acoustic but underwhelming ending. Then lastly there is Big Boy, its tone and temperament doesn't really fit the bill or carry the same energy as anything before.

At its peak, this albums songs are of a dazzling craft but its a flawed treasure for sure with the front loading. Looking up some details on its release Ive learned it was packaged with a five track demo from 1995. That is making its way to playlist immediately! I'm glad I got around to writing about this one, for any CKY fans reading, you need to hear this! Especially if your fond of more abrasive music.

Rating: 8/10