The European outfit known as Mnemic have had a fairly good run throughout their relatively short career. In fact, their gritty debut effort "Mechanical Spin Phenomena" even helped them to enlist members of respected bands like the Deftones into their fan base. Much like their fellow Danish labelmates Raunchy however, the band have begun to arc their sound towards a more polished, melodically-driven direction. As a result the groups generally rough around the edges mixture of simplified Meshuggah-inspired time signatures and Fear Factory reminiscent digital aggression has had its kinks ironed out in favor an entirely smoother ride.

These days Mnemic seem to favor the chunky off-timed riffing and punishing double kick drumming that populate their verses to serve as a mere build-up to their soaring, larger than life choruses. Such a shift is understandable as it does sound more mature, but the way the band often package the choruses alongside their synth elements to help harmonize leaves a bit to be desired. In truth, this greater focus on their melodic side, plus the filing down of their jagged riffs, really makes for a rather bland affair. Sure the group bash out with some pretty meaty instrumentation, but without the spiked edges they once had in place, it's barely enough to leave a bruise, let alone break the skin. It all just sounds too safe and done before.

"The Audio Injected Soul" got an early bit of press hype when it was announced that it would be the first to utilize a new 3D sound positioning technique. The pairing of such a technology with the bands progressive, electronically aided modern metal seemed like a perfect fit. Unfortunately, according to a posting on their website, they decided to send out promo copies to the press without this technology in place, leaving it only for the retail copies. Whether or not this was a smart decision remains to be seen as its inclusion is obviously a selling point and the technology itself remains as yet unproven by the public at large.

Ultimately though, it doesn't really matter. Even a revolutionary new sound technique couldn't save this album from sounding sadly mediocre. Without the groups viciously disjointed grit on display, there is little, if anything here that should bowl anyone over. Sure those into the more industrial influenced side of modern metal might find some enjoyment here. But those who were inoculated during the style's rise to prominence (and subsequent fall) that took place a few years back will likely be entirely resistant to this latest 'injection'.