Nem-Q is a young and interesting band from Holland, which can be best compared with Riverside, Tool and Dream Theater. The band is well aware of what’s going on in progressive metal, and is showing how without losing their own artistic identity. This identity is preventing the album to become the next clone of “Lateralus” or “Awake”. I listened to the record with great interest.
Singer/guitarist Paul Sieben started of in grunge, so has guitarist Mark Reijven. Drummer Paul van Limbeek is jazz orientated, keyboardplayer Dennis Renders has doom metal roots. To complete the band, there is bassist Henri van Zelst. On a certain day they discovered progrock. The album identifies itself strongly with this music and will interest many progrock lovers.
The album is recorded in a starting studio in Weert with professional equipment. Despite this fact, it’s a pity that it had no influence on the final effect, because the cd sounds like an amature recording. The music doesn’t sound as it’s suppose to because of the production. Vocals are to much in front and everywhere you hear the quitar (Opportunities of Tomorrow is a very guitarish album though). The guitars sound to dry and to rough; a common problem with starting bands because they haven’t got the funds for the best studios. That’s why the debutalbum isn’t a product to hit the global market (to get well-known), but one thing is for sure: Nem-Q has got a lot of potention. As soon they get more experienced they will get better. And they will, cause a second album is allready in process. It’s time to show what they are really made of. Untill then, we have to wait and enjoy what we’ve got. Well possible, because the album is nice to listen. Between the 8 compositions, Godless and River are the best. The first one has a strong guitarmotive. The verse almost explodes because of all the instruments kicking in and it has a fenomanal basssolo. River has got a nice and cachy chorus. The verse has been played with violin or maybe synthesizer. The music makes you think about the 80’s cultwave like The Church or New Model Army.
The power “we can handle the world” is very clear to hear. That’s why I say: Nem-Q is an upcoming talented band that has to be watched very closely.
www.nem-q.com
