Origin:	Peoria, IL, USA
Genres:	Doom Metal, Atmospheric Hardcore

Minsk

Taking their name from the Belarusian capitol city, this Illinois quintet has impressively debuted with Out Of A Center Which Is Neither Dead Nor Alive in 2005. Out Of A Center fits squarely in the Isis mold of drawn-out, ambient, post-hardcore doom, yet there’s something unique about the album that raises it above its competitors. The songs are long (none of the six tracks are under eight minutes in length, and most are over ten) and take their time to develop, but the atmosphere and the emotions conveyed mask any signs of monotony. There is a pronounced percussive trait on display that really sets these guys apart, with vocalist Tim Mead’s conga drum playing giving the songs a primal, tribal feel that is most welcome. There’s also in a cool sax on closer “Wisp Of Tow” that fits perfectly with the distant sound effects and meandering guitars. This is an excellent album sure to appeal to the atmospheric hardcore crowd (Neurosis, Cult Of Luna, etc.) as well as those into well-crafted experimental doom metal.