From what I hear, my only review here (Theorized) was shunned down as mere band worship and not a critical writing so to speak. You see, as a reviewer, you want to consciously avoid that pitfall, but to do that with honesty on this album is a little difficult. I will try though. Here goes.
Inner Sanctum's Provenance, the debut EP from the Bangalore based thrash/technical quintet, has been receiving rave reviews from all over the globe (Rolling Stone to Metal Rules and what not?!). This in itself is testimony to what this work brings to the Indian metal scene, to gain global visibility, for an Indian band, ain't no joke! Not to mention, for one that is all of 3 years old! Provenance, hence, is in a sense a harbinger of fresh hope to every upcoming metal act out there. As against what has often been the case in the past, you don’t need to have age (well masked as “experience”) to make the world stand up and take notice. Sanctum is probably the fastest growing band at this point in this fast growing nation of ours (no, it’s not a coincidence I put these two together).
I have been a Sanctum fan right from when I saw them live first at Freedom Jam '07. Thanks largely to their super-charismatic ultra-enthu vocalist Gaurav, I'm sure anyone who's been at a gig of theirs would accept that the raw energy the band brings to the stage is unquestionable. This raw energy ends up rising to be a towering giant with the crowd in his hands telling them to break their friggin necks off! Right, so down to the album itself.
I read a review somewhere stating that it’s unconventional for a metal act to pay tribute to an actor. Hell, is there a darker persona to write a metal piece on than is "The Joker"?! (aptly titled “Agent of Chaos”). The first thing you notice when the album kicks off with that axe-churning metal defining riff is the quality of the mix. You can hear every note to precision and it’s as clean as it’s distorted (if you know what I mean!). The riff is fairly familiar sounding (although I can’t seem to recollect from where), but a few seconds forward, you see the band taking that riff and toying around with it to give it a whole new shape and dimension that drives through the entire track. The solo contrasts the grind through the song err...can’t get the right word (somehow, beautiful is not it), but well, positive connotation intended. The true quality of the mixing comes forth primarily when you hear the drums! Kiggarse! I do have an issue with the vocals though, while it sounds really metal and stuff, it sounds too perfect to capture the live feel which really is what the band has always been about. That’s my opinion anyway.
“Quarantine” has, always, been my favourite since Sanctum released a, well, lesser said the better, video of the song. The number of times I pitched for the band back then with friends since listening to that one can only plainly be put as infinite. Here’s laughing at their faces (muhahahaha). The time since the track was made available on their myspace page and before getting my hands on the disk, the same infinity would account for the number of times I’ve gone berserk to this one. I’m not about to review this one. Anything said would end up being an understatement of the kind of maniacal madness it has always succeeded in putting in my head.
Now coming to everyone’s favourite, "Human Disregard". Let me say at the outset that I’m no less blown away than the masses are. Why I prefer “Quarantine” to this one beats me! But, hell, this track is actually definitive of the band; you simply cannot not go berserk as you listen to that (I don’t know, should I call it adrenaline pumping?!) riff! The precision in the drumming patterns (precise yet not sounding plastic) on this song is simply stunning. But the ending, post that little bit of a speech sample, is mind-blowing! Wasn't the no remorse ending originally on “Quarantine”?? Anyway, it fits in just fine. Layered vocals, awesome.
Eye of False! I simply love the clunky output coming out of a bass guitar all loud and clear! Maybe a bit of a bias towards the bass, still, I’m sure you’ll agree with me. That’s the first thing that struck when I heard this track. The riff again sounds familiar but is razor sharp and literally cuts through like a knife. This is probably my least favourite track on the album (note – least favourite, still, favourite). An Opeth-esque ending fits in nicely, although I read a review stating it could’ve been avoided, I think it fits in well and we all want that bit of innovation don’t we?? (I come from a school of management and that is a buzz word never to be forgotten).
All in all, this album is a metal feast. At 13:37 (now I don’t believe that’s a coincidence...or is it?), while good enough for an EP, you somehow wanted more. Tight work throughout the album and kudos to the band for having achieved in such a short while what many bands would’ve in a decade. The packaging is excellent, looks like Gaurav is being a good student. Haha, funny picture.
Bottom line, Provenance is more than just an album; it is a sign of things to come for us holy citizens of metal India. I’m sure its impact will be felt far beyond its time and farther beyond the band’s prime region of competence. I’m writing from Kolkata, so I guess the work’s already begun. Revolution is coming.
