Canobliss
Liberation of Dissonance Independent

by Derric Miller
Staff Writer

Comments: When you snag a CD and see the title Liberation of Dissonance, you immediately connect the dots and believe you are going to be hearing a Dream Theater clone. In the case of San Diego based band Canobliss (and this seems like a not too hidden play on words of "cannabis") you'll hear a band that is all over the map, but no where near Dream Theater. Canobliss wears their influences proudly, from Anthrax to Tool to System of a Down, and their new CD is a slamming and unique offering in the glut of sameness that is metal.

The chaos starts with "Riot," a song with melodic verses but shotgun-like rhythms on the chorus. Drummer Mike Russo is a behemoth on this track, and his rhythm counterpart Chenzo Vidalez on bass chugs just as hard. Canobliss employs progressive styled tempo changes, with singer Johan Maldonado shouting and singing with equal aplomb. If you like guitars, the solo from Samson Pedroza and frenetic rhythms from Jon Russo are certainly impressive as well.

Canobliss writes weird songs. The track "Insurrection" is a bass player's dream track, since Vidalez is the driving force here. While not even close to a hardcore track, the chorus of "Love hates you, breeding perfect insurrection … lie after fucking lie!" will have you pumping your fist and shouting since you'll feel the same power of a Hatebreed chorus.

With their ability to morph into different entities, you are always going to be wondering "what's next." Well, next here is "Sinister Minister," a cool title and an even cooler song. This is your obvious kick in the nuts to religion, with lyrics like "Holy men thinking how to fondle your mind."

Canobliss also likes to swear, the word of choice being many faces of "fuck." On the song "Hello," a seemingly innocent title, there is nothing but anger and cusses snarling from the maw of Maldonado. Although they don't sound anything like them, attitude wise, Faith No More comes to mind. Basically, Canobliss doesn't really have a style and do whatever they want, which definitely works for the band.

The track "Pneumatic" begins with Maldonado singing, almost howling but in control, and then things get noisy. If you wondered about their technical prowess, this should clear things up. This is sheer speed across the board, and again, it's Russo who shines, not because of the power but because of the intricacy of his leads and fills.

Liberation of Dissonance is refreshing release. The chances they take on vocal rhythms, the overall energy and their affinity for stark tempo changes will keep your attention all the way through. While it's not groundbreaking material, at least it'll have you banging your fool head and attempting to sing along with. And isn't that what good music is all about …

www.canobliss.com

Track listing:
1. Riot
2. Insurrection
3. Sinister Minister
4. Liberation of Dissonance
5. Hello
6. D.I.Y.E.
7. Pneumatic
8. Automation
9. Independence
10. Worldwide Criminal Affair

HRH rating: 7.5/10