So, as reviewers we get a lot, and I do mean A LOT of records for review, often times way before the official release dates, yeah? And that’s all well and good, but sometimes an album hits your ears one way upon release, and another when you buckle down with it
That’s the stich here with Lenax and their debut record, Infection. It’s not very often you get the chance to hear a trio quite like this from Nashville, Tennessee – the heartland of country music. Lissen, those of you who read my reviews (all two of you?) know what a black metal nut I am, right? Despite numerous spins, this disc is just bland, for lack of a better term.
That’s not to say there isn’t some cool stuff here, cuz that’s clearly the case with tracks Like “Plague Bringer”, “We Are Legion”, and “Leeches”. These songs will punch you in the face and quick two-time like Radio Raheem at Sal’s Famous. But “Overdrive” quite frankly feels like time wasted. The same can be said with “Crossroad Black”. There’s too much time wasted to get somewhere through both these tracks. Meanwhile closer “Throne of the Forsaken” puts the boot up your ass to get you going.
Hey, look. When all’s said and done, Infection is good. But it’s not the kind of black metal album that this writer will be revisiting on a regular basis. But hey, for a debut I’ll take it over so much of the nonsense that comes my way. And Lenax definitely has the chops to do some great things – so hold out hope for a stronger follow-up release.
Standout Tracks: “Plague Bringer”, “We Are Legion”, “Leeches”.