Flatstick shatter the mold and manipulate it to their own vision on this CD which is masterminded by only two people, although you'd be hard pressed to know that while listening to it. Overflowing with talent, the group dives into death metal, punk rock, electronica, ethnic rhythms, funk, metal, nu metal and just about every other genre that has been used to classify bands. Sounding reminiscent of Messhuggah meets Faith No More and Mr. Bungle, the band takes the constraints of what is considered cohesive and stretches them out to the verge of snapping. Vocally there's quite a few similarities to Mike Patton, some strange voice inflections and a dynamic range that is pushed to its full potential is what is spun out here, with lyrics ranging from such memorable terms as "nappy love juice" to various interludes and guest appearances by female vocalists. From screams to smoothed out funk croons, the verbal aspect of this CD is quite rounded and as such seems to adjust like a chameleon to the infinite amount of styles. Guitar is skilled and technical, a truckload of solo's are thrown in with highly linear death metal riffs along with well structured material that adjusts accordingly to the never ending change of pace. A bit on the moderate size with tuning and distortion, there's not as much chunk or power as there could be, but then again the high end here is not limited to just one style. There's classical acoustic strumming, some mariachi influenced melodies as well as general experimentation that suggests a lot of training and a firm musical background. Bass is tuned slightly lower and for the most part syncopates tightly with the guitar or hums out rumbling grooves. Variation is implemented and there's some slap and pop as well as other techniques put into play that thicken the sound and keep things interesting on an intelligent level. Drums are fearsome with a gang beating of double kick and precisely placed snare hits, although they are programmed electronically, there's so much going on that it's not easy to notice that a human is not behind the kit except for a few discrepancies here and there. Elegantly calculated with earthly hits when necessary and brutal with a Fear Factory/Slayer barrage when the aggression is kicked up, the bands two musicians really have a firm grasp of the workings of drum machines. Some electronical programming and keyboards creep their way in now and then and give an extra dimension that heightens the constantly shifting musical environment, while some 808 styled bass hits are also included and give a hip hop/industrial styled faucet of expression for the band. Through each listen its possible to pick up on a new component or piece hidden in the bands overstuffed song structures, their material oozes with technique and technical know how and they aren't afraid to show it off on this CD. Although the music could be described as eclectic at best, their smooth unexpected transitions within the songs rival those of the legendary Mr. Bungle, except where Bungle seems to go off into a different direction with each track, a generally heavy theme is the undercurrent of almost every song on this album and that is one quality that earmarks this release as one that will satisfy the fans of heavy music more than any other group that attempts to combine so many styles. There's a also a comedic side documented on the album as the tracks are essentially tied together by a computerized voice that claims to be the drummer on the album, who died of "a really cruel and unusual practical joke" which is later revealed to have been caused by drumstick up his ass. This CD is by no means for everyone though, fans that like music that hits from all angles and isn't afraid to stitch together anything they can find will enjoy this, and no doubt listeners into technical mastery will also be impressed, but the normalcy challenging rhythms and sonically defiant meshings found here will indefinitely be too much for the modest crowd. Flatstick have taken a sample of almost every genre known to man and used them to concoct a visceral auditory voyage that carries a ferociously heavy attitude. Not for the weak of stomach, "Omnicore" is about as close as it comes to an aural version of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory.
(4 / 5)