Nemo – ‘Emotional Metastasis’

(Metallic Blue)

Nemo may hail from Serbia but their debut album ‘Emotional Metastasis’ (try saying that one after a few shandy’s!) sounds like something straight out of the early Nineties American Hair Metal Scene. The band is lead by guitarist Nemanja Stojanovic and bassist Danko Stojanovic with vocals supplied by Lorenzo Vicenzo.

Essentially a Melodic Hard Rock album but with a strong metallic flavour especially in the guitar delivery and soaring vocal style. It’s clearly influenced by the aforementioned rock era and it really evokes similarities to many of the bands of that time. Think Babylon A.D, Bang Tango, Bulletboys, Vain and Lillian Axe and you’ll understand the types of bands I’m been reminded of.

I do detect a hint of a NWOBHM influence in the song writing pot as well with how Nemo blend strong melodies with a strong metallic tang. Rampant sharp edged guitar riffs and high-pitched soaring vocals something so indictive of that genre of metal.

‘Emotional Metastasis’ is a solid album and there’s not a lot I could pick fault with, but it does come up short in generating any real excitement in me. It’s not bad, it’s quite enjoyable in the short term, it’s a quick fix album that delivers initially but fails to make a lasting impression overall. It is one of those album’s where people will use the word ‘promising’ a lot indicating they expect the next album to really rip it up and impress. Indeed, it does there is some excellent musicianship and some initially intriguing songs which with a little experience and song writing sessions could develop into something strong.

Nemanja’s guitar work is worth highlighting as he throws everything at this album, lots of solo’s, big riffs and fast fingered metallic licks which showcase his ability clearly. I could see a lot of guitar fans really been entertained by his performances throughout this album. Vocally Vicenzo nails this genre’s style easily, not always for everyone as I know high pitched vocalists can divide opinion – I think Mark Slaughter is a great example of what I mean. But Vicenzo’s delivery is spot on and fits the sound of Nemo like a glove.

‘Emotional Metastasis’ is an album I certainly would recommend to fans of the early Nineties Hair Metal scene but I would also tell people to temper their expectations. It’s an enjoyable quick fix but the second coming this isn’t!

7/10

Essential Track - 'Lady'

Review by Woody