MORDRED — The Next Room (review)

MORDRED — The Next Room album cover Album · 1994 · Funk Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
UMUR
"The Next Room" is the third full-length studio album by US, California based thrash/alternative/funk metal act Mordred. The album was released through Noise Records in June 1994. It was Mordred´s final release before their initial breakup in 1995. There´s been one lineup change since "In This Life (1991)" as lead vocalist Scott Holderby has been replaced by Paul Kimball (who had performed with the thrash/crossover act A.M.Q.A. in the 1980s). While three years between albums were a long time in those days, Mordred released no less than four EPs and a live video in the years 1992-1994, so there were plenty of releases to fill the gap between the two full-length studio albums.

While Scott Holderby was a pretty unique singer, the change on the lead vocalist spot has actually been good for the band as Kimball is an overall better and more versatile frontman. He is able to deliver both raw and powerful vocals, but also bluesy/soul influenced warmer parts, alternative rock vocals (not too far removed from vocalists like Layne Stayley and Scott Weiland), and talking/singing funky type vocals. Mordred were always a very creative act, combining many different music styles (initially predominantly thrash metal and funk metal), and the material on "The Next Room" are as diverse as ever.

The album is not only varied though, it´s also memorable and generally of a high quality. Although not all tracks feature riffs which can be classified as heavy metal riffs, all tracks still pack a punch. It´s one of the great assets of the album how much power and attitude the band are able to deliver. The drumming is quite technical and the drummer plays one infectious groove after another, while the two guitarists play sharp heavy riffs and just as many non-distorted funky riffs. The bass is clearly audible in the mix and add the right groovy and funky bottom to the music, while keyboard player/sample & turntable man Aaron Vaughn adds atmosphere and something unique to the music. No better experienced than on the instrumental "The Next Room Over".

As if that wasn´t enough "The Next Room" features an exceptionally well sounding production job, suiting the music perfectly. Upon conclusion "The Next Room" certainly was a great (at the time) swansong for Mordred (they´ve since reunited and have released further material), and to my ears it´s the release where all their different influences and styles most successfully came together. The dark melodic alternative rock/metal touches suits the music well, and paired with the heavy riffs, groovy rhythms, and funky guitars/bass, it´s overall a high quality release by Mordred. A 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating is deserved.
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