GROSS MISCONDUCT – Equinox (2018)

“Equinox” is the third studio release by GROSS MISCONDUCT. The Canadian band’s current album is an amalgamation of classic and modern, successfully combining various elements and influences. Progressive death, thrash, a brief veering into doom and a substantial dose of melody are interlaced in the dynamic track list of “Equinox”.  The sound is reminiscent of GOJIRA, you can find DEATH at places and hints of MASTODON in some of the progressive elements. Of course, the band retains its own sound and offers the listener an interesting read of heavy music, through the prism of melody, but retaining its impact.

The first song is the eponymous “Equinox”, which begins with an acoustic passage, so it can later pass into a rhythmic track with technical guitars and a sound, dynamic enough to keep your interest and even surprise you once or twice. The next track, “A Place Of Bones”, is slightly heavier. This was the first time I noticed the singer’s good articulation, which definitely helps for the fuller understanding of the songs. Skillfully intertwined groove elements and appropriately used drawn-out screams, which complete the emotional and sonic picture of the song.  “Exhaustive, Integral” sets in with an impact, with refined staccato, interesting contrasts in the rhythm and melody in some passages and technical vocals. “After the Vultures” is a fast, classical sounding track, where the dirty sound reaches its zenith in the album. The next song is my personal favorite, “Ocean Inferno”. An extremely melodic, atmospheric and beautiful song. The well performed and overlaid harsh vocals are combined with a steady rhythm, dynamic instrumental, alternating slow with fast, simple with complex and intertwining a progressive groovy sound with a lyrical acoustic passage. The final song, “Slow Burn”, is an appropriate, impactful end of the album. In it all the elements, which can be found in the album, find their place in a complete soundscape, which is also a skillfully performed emotional and sonic resume of “Equinox”. It combines modern and classical, heavy and melodic, dynamic and stable, electric and acoustic. A good final song for the album and good description of it. Dynamic, well sounding and able to keep the listener interested. Enough to hear it all the way through and play it again.

The songs in “Equinox” are self-sufficient and complete. They can be listened to separately and according to your personal preference, without disrupting any continuity or sensation. However, the experience and understanding are fuller when you listen to the track list sequentially and carefully, so you can fully grasp all its layers. It’s a slow burn.

Rating: 9/10