MULTIPLE PERSONALITY DISORDER

Being the first 'Maeror Tri' recording I heard, I guess you'd expect a more positive review. Sadly, it ain't gonna happen here. Throughout their many releases there have been many triumphs and failures along the way. Whilst not falling into the latter category 'Multiple Personality Disorder' falls desperately flat in in regards to what followed musically in their latter years.

The idea is good - it's all about schizophrenia - where over 100 personalities have been found in one person. Such a pity then that it doesn't stand up to such a statement.

The poor corporate style artwork that all 'Korm Plastic' releases purveyed do not encourage the first time listener with any sense of curiosity. It's awfully poor - with very little thought towards design and presentation. And that font annoys tremendously - with me being a graphic designer to trade.

The sounds within are mostly tuneless electronics with a treated electro-acoustic drone pervading throughout its entirety. There's nothing to grasp hold of or to grab your attention. At best it could be described as the stranger parts of David Lynch's 'Twin Peaks'.

Things do pick up with backward vocals entering the fray on 'The Revenger' but then it just groans morosely to the conclusion.

'The Protector' begins with some old pirate dragging what sounds like a treasure chest over a concrete floor before all sorts of squealing and reversed sounds batter your ears for the next 10 minutes. Almost 'Merzbow' like in approach it will challenge even the hardiest Prog listener.

The fifth track, which isn't even mentioned anywhere in the amateurish liner notes is the one highlight. It's full of reversed vocals and instrumentation that sounds incredibly similar to 'Zoviet France's' Lohland from '85. Finally, some emotion.

Much better was to follow...