By Matty Haynes
(Image: © Unknown. Please email for credit of removal )
For this review, we’re going international!
…well…not literally, I don’t have the funds unfortunately but that’s where the joy of the good old Internet comes into play! Today’s international visit has us dropping in on the South African Metal scene. Before we dive into the song/band we’re reviewing, I do have to give a shout out to the scene in general. There are many hidden gems (covering bands, radio hosts, promoters and even fans) in South Africa, so if you ever fancy mixing it up I seriously recommend checking it out when you have some time. And with that, we can now focus on the main even – ‘Portraits’ by the Alternative meets Thrash group Diverted Disorder. Having got to know these lads through an attempted musical endeavor that sadly hasn’t come to fruition
(yet that is…it could happen one day!), Diverted Disorder blend a tidy little number of styles to create their sound. One which has seen them become quite popular in the underground scene of their native country and seen them bring energetic shows to the stage. Thrashy riffs and heavy growls often fill the room and get the fans inciting circle pits during their live shows and appearances.
But their new single ‘Portraits’ sees the band take a slightly different path, one that has the band experiment with a sound outside their norm. The track sees the band stripping things back (no no, they keep their pants on for this song…I hope…) and utilizing a more melodic vibe, bringing out a ballad-esque style song. The track also sees the band use more of a grunge based style, similar to that of Alice in Chains and Soudngarden. Gravelly vocals send the chills down the spine as the band use the song to transport you to past times.
‘Portraits’ shows a different form of power from the band. As before, its more melodic and simpler to what we’ve heard from the group but uses powerful build ups at the right times to really drive the effect of the song into your mind, ending with a beautiful orchestral riff over the top which will vibrate long after the song is over.
For me, I love how different this song is for Diverted Disorder whilst still being distinctive to their sound. I’d also love to hear a pure acoustic version of this song as that’ll bring the song to a whole new level of haunting beauty…who knows, maybe the band might treat us to that one day?
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