CD Info

2012

Self Released / Canada
8 Tracks

English Lyrics

Many metal bands make music with a specific purpose in mind. Apparatus, for instance, create a type of alternative metal that centers on spirituality and social awareness. Just read this excerpt from the Canadian quartet’s statement about their second album, Evolution: "Embracing themes of transformation and illumination, the album faithfully captures the essence of energy, honesty and timelessness... [and] takes the listener on a wave of divine consciousness." Right away, one can assume that Apparatus bucks some of metal’s most infamous stereotypes. And that’s an accurate assumption. Evolution takes you on a journey that’s as intense as it is insightful.

I’ve only heard a handful of tracks from Risen, Apparatus’s 2007 debut album; but when I compare the old material with the new, it’s obvious that Apparatus have matured since their first record. The arrangements on Evolution are more progressive, as the band experiments with length and structure. At the same time, Apparatus deliver the distinct North American metal style: gritty and in-your-face, emphasized by distorted guitars and chunky rhythms. At different points on Evolution, I recognized influences from Disturbed, Tool, and Evanescence. The "Evanescence moments" come courtesy of singer Melanie Laquerre. Her intonations and projection give her a sweeping presence much like that of Amy Lee. However, her guttural screams and engaging lyrics make her truly unique. Also, Apparatus deserve kudos for an excellent job self-producing Evolution. The final product’s polished yet raw sound isn’t something you’d expect from most unsigned bands.

Apparatus doesn’t immediately show off the punch they can pack when Evolution begins. Instead, they let the power in their music sneak up on the listener, stressing substance over style and taking their time with each song. This allows Apparatus to showcase the surprisingly broad spectrum of their sound. For example, "Halo" stomps and crushes with death-metal-like fury, while "The Release" swoops and dives through waves of riffs and stirring melodies before alighting for a keyboard / cello ending.

Evolution also shows Apparatus’s knack for crafting great refrains. The best example is on "9th Wave," whose unforgettable chorus soars to transcendental heights. The song itself is a masterful piece of alt-prog prophecy, complete with tempo changes and Laquerre’s riveting vocals and roaring outro. "Indikon" also features a brilliant chorus that persuades the listener to sing along. Laquerre’s endearing call for love and the extended ending of ad-libs and palpable rhythms make this track a highlight.

What fascinates me most about Evolution is its lyrical content. Each topic presents a different angle on Apparatus’s focus on illumination: the album’s title theme, Hindu philosophy ("Kundalini"), the devastation of war ("Marching"), and divine interpretations of the Mayan calendar ("9th Wave"), to name a few. I actually researched the more spiritual themes before writing this review and found them intriguing. When a band’s lyrics interest you enough to learn more about the topic at hand, the lyricist’s obviously doing something right. Equally as important is Laquerre’s lyric-writing style. Her language oozes with passion and intelligence. And when Laquerre delivers those lines with her most powerful vocals, it’s clear that she believes what she says – and so the message resonates with the listener even more.

Some aspects of Evolution, however, seem odd to me. First, Evolution contains no uptempo tracks. They’re either midtempo or slower, with faster moments here and there. That doesn’t mean Apparatus’s music lacks energy; it’s there, simmering and manifesting itself in other ways. But you’d think, with the potency that Apparatus’s music possesses, the band would pick up the pace for a song or two. Also, while Apparatus excels with some refrain melodies, they struggle with others. "Marching" loses steam after its militant verses because the chorus drags the song down rather than elevating it. And on more progressive tracks such as "Halo" and "The Release," parts with that anthemic vibe that screams "I’m the chorus!" aren’t actually the chorus. It disrupts the flow a little and forces the listener to play certain tracks several times before they understand what’s going on aesthetically.

Sometimes it takes several spins to understand an album, though. Evolution demands that kind of patience from its listeners, and the rewards one can reap from this record once they "get" it are worth the extra time. And personally, what I’ve come to appreciate most about Evolution and Apparatus’s music in general is the genuineness. Apparatus aren’t interested in snaring themselves in metal’s stigmas of topic and tone. Their songs throb with a human heartbeat, not a fist of hatred. They empower, inspire, and describe the beauty of spirituality without forcing their will or beliefs on the listener. That’s why Apparatus accomplish what they set out to do with Evolution. And, the ride they’ll take you on may open your ears as well as your mind.

Side Note: If you want to buy Evolution, I highly recommend spending the extra money on a physical copy so you can see the album artwork. Laquerre designed it herself, and it’s a gorgeous visual complement to Apparatus’s music.

8.25 / 10

Best Songs: "9th Wave," "Indikon," "The Release"
Recommended for fans of Evanescence, Disturbed, Tool, In This Moment, Breaking Benjamin, Lacuna Coil, and The Gathering

Evolution is available for purchase from Apparatus’s merch store, iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon.

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