Flood - Polarized (ex-tourniquet Gary Lenaire, Guy Ritter, Erik Mendez) PREVIEW VIDEO available

Gary - “Heavier, faster and more melodic”.

Me - Take my money Brother! 

This is good news…looking forward to new music from them….I still listen pretty regularly to the debut…I like it a lot!

Does anyone else still wish they’d chosen a different name? Like The Threshing Floor, Psychosurgery or Pathogenic? Something that stands out more?

Pethead wrote:Does anyone else still wish they’d chosen a different name? Like The Threshing Floor, Psychosurgery or Pathogenic? Something that stands out more?

I’m used to it now. I think they wanted something very simple.

Of coarse they could have thought of a more “Metal” name… but in comparison, I like it more than Echo Hollow. That name was a little too cutesy like a tourist gift shop. 

The word Flood can represent a lot of things. A Flood can also be brutal and destructive!

I quite like this album. Gary and Guy sound amazing and the guitar solos are fantastic. 

Generally, I think the speedier tunes are the best. If they trimmed things a bit, my cut of the album would definitely keep: 

Design
War in the Sky
Darfur 
Polarized 
Biotech Babylon
Freeloading Larceny 
The Order of Melchizedek
Stop the Bleeding

Pethead wrote:I quite like this album. Gary and Guy sound amazing and the guitar solos are fantastic. 

Generally, I think the speedier tunes are the best. If they trimmed things a bit, my cut of the album would definitely keep: 

Design
War in the Sky
Darfur 
Polarized 
Biotech Babylon
Freeloading Larceny 
The Order of Melchizedek
Stop the Bleeding

I would delete the title track and then it’s optimized! 

It would be a excellent 7 song EP.

TZ75 wrote:

Pethead wrote:I quite like this album. Gary and Guy sound amazing and the guitar solos are fantastic. 

Generally, I think the speedier tunes are the best. If they trimmed things a bit, my cut of the album would definitely keep: 

Design
War in the Sky
Darfur 
Polarized 
Biotech Babylon
Freeloading Larceny 
The Order of Melchizedek
Stop the Bleeding

I would delete the title track and then it’s optimized! 

It would be a excellent 7 song EP.

Originally I had left the title track off, but I figured I’d make it a classic 8 song album like back in the day.

One thing I do wish they would do is change the aesthetic of the logo. Do something more Metal with it (like the stylized lettering of Megadeth and Tourniquet).

Their current logo is too plain.

Pethead wrote:

TZ75 wrote:

Pethead wrote:I quite like this album. Gary and Guy sound amazing and the guitar solos are fantastic. 

Generally, I think the speedier tunes are the best. If they trimmed things a bit, my cut of the album would definitely keep: 

Design
War in the Sky
Darfur 
Polarized 
Biotech Babylon
Freeloading Larceny 
The Order of Melchizedek
Stop the Bleeding

I would delete the title track and then it’s optimized! 

It would be a excellent 7 song EP.

Originally I had left the title track off, but I figured I’d make it a classic 8 song album like back in the day.

By default, I would accept that song over the other weaker ones.

TZ75 wrote:

Pethead wrote:

TZ75 wrote:

Pethead wrote:I quite like this album. Gary and Guy sound amazing and the guitar solos are fantastic. 

Generally, I think the speedier tunes are the best. If they trimmed things a bit, my cut of the album would definitely keep: 

Design
War in the Sky
Darfur 
Polarized 
Biotech Babylon
Freeloading Larceny 
The Order of Melchizedek
Stop the Bleeding

I would delete the title track and then it’s optimized! 

It would be a excellent 7 song EP.

Originally I had left the title track off, but I figured I’d make it a classic 8 song album like back in the day.

By default, I would accept that song over the other weaker ones.

That was my take

Pethead wrote:

TZ75 wrote:

Pethead wrote:

TZ75 wrote:

Pethead wrote:I quite like this album. Gary and Guy sound amazing and the guitar solos are fantastic. 

Generally, I think the speedier tunes are the best. If they trimmed things a bit, my cut of the album would definitely keep: 

Design
War in the Sky
Darfur 
Polarized 
Biotech Babylon
Freeloading Larceny 
The Order of Melchizedek
Stop the Bleeding

I would delete the title track and then it’s optimized! 

It would be a excellent 7 song EP.

Originally I had left the title track off, but I figured I’d make it a classic 8 song album like back in the day.

By default, I would accept that song over the other weaker ones.

That was my take

I know. 
Your list is almost the same as mine (hence the default). I would just skip the s/t track.  

Am I the only one who is still very skeptical about the drums on the album? It doesn't sound too bad, but very artificial. I don't necessarily mean the sound of the drums, but much more the simplicity of the rhythms, the lack of variety, the missing accents and drum fills.
I am therefore doubly irritated: On the one hand, these shortcomings do not match the skills of David Husvik. On the other hand, it is possible to incorporate variations and details into a programmed drum kit that are completely independent of the skills of a real drummer.
So what is the real problem here: A drummer who remains below his possibilities? Drum editing that killed the human feel behind the recordings? The naming of a drummer who maybe didn't play (all) drums on the album? A programmed drum kit that lacks attention to detail or more feeling for rhythmic subtleties?
The guitar work on this album and the bass tracks are impressive! The more disappointing is the rhythmic foundation of the drums.
I could absolutely understand the use of a artificial drums, as working with real drums for a project like this would mean extra cost and effort that might be out of proportion. It just might sound more inspired...

Tobi Elektrik wrote:Am I the only one who is still very skeptical about the drums on the album? It doesn't sound too bad, but very artificial. I don't necessarily mean the sound of the drums, but much more the simplicity of the rhythms, the lack of variety, the missing accents and drum fills.
I am therefore doubly irritated: On the one hand, these shortcomings do not match the skills of David Husvik. On the other hand, it is possible to incorporate variations and details into a programmed drum kit that are completely independent of the skills of a real drummer.
So what is the real problem here: A drummer who remains below his possibilities? Drum editing that killed the human feel behind the recordings? The naming of a drummer who maybe didn't play (all) drums on the album? A programmed drum kit that lacks attention to detail or more feeling for rhythmic subtleties?
The guitar work on this album and the bass tracks are impressive! The more disappointing is the rhythmic foundation of the drums.
I could absolutely understand the use of a artificial drums, as working with real drums for a project like this would mean extra cost and effort that might be out of proportion. It just might sound more inspired...

I do agree with that. I was surprised at the drums given David’s skills with Extol. It’s especially noticeable when you compare it to Ted’s drumming.

But I’ve gotten more used to it and like you said, the bass work is top-notch.

Tobi Elektrik wrote:Am I the only one who is still very skeptical about the drums on the album? It doesn't sound too bad, but very artificial. I don't necessarily mean the sound of the drums, but much more the simplicity of the rhythms, the lack of variety, the missing accents and drum fills.
I am therefore doubly irritated: On the one hand, these shortcomings do not match the skills of David Husvik. On the other hand, it is possible to incorporate variations and details into a programmed drum kit that are completely independent of the skills of a real drummer.
So what is the real problem here: A drummer who remains below his possibilities? Drum editing that killed the human feel behind the recordings? The naming of a drummer who maybe didn't play (all) drums on the album? A programmed drum kit that lacks attention to detail or more feeling for rhythmic subtleties?
The guitar work on this album and the bass tracks are impressive! The more disappointing is the rhythmic foundation of the drums.
I could absolutely understand the use of a artificial drums, as working with real drums for a project like this would mean extra cost and effort that might be out of proportion. It just might sound more inspired...

I also would've chosen this drummer to replace Ted, but his drumming is below par on here IMHO for all the reasons you listed and more.  This is probably why "supergroups" don't create good music in the real world.

Jayson Sherlock would've been my pick.

Temple of Blood wrote:

Tobi Elektrik wrote:Am I the only one who is still very skeptical about the drums on the album? It doesn't sound too bad, but very artificial. I don't necessarily mean the sound of the drums, but much more the simplicity of the rhythms, the lack of variety, the missing accents and drum fills.
I am therefore doubly irritated: On the one hand, these shortcomings do not match the skills of David Husvik. On the other hand, it is possible to incorporate variations and details into a programmed drum kit that are completely independent of the skills of a real drummer.
So what is the real problem here: A drummer who remains below his possibilities? Drum editing that killed the human feel behind the recordings? The naming of a drummer who maybe didn't play (all) drums on the album? A programmed drum kit that lacks attention to detail or more feeling for rhythmic subtleties?
The guitar work on this album and the bass tracks are impressive! The more disappointing is the rhythmic foundation of the drums.
I could absolutely understand the use of a artificial drums, as working with real drums for a project like this would mean extra cost and effort that might be out of proportion. It just might sound more inspired...

I also would've chosen this drummer to replace Ted, but his drumming is below par on here IMHO for all the reasons you listed and more.  This is probably why "supergroups" don't create good music in the real world.

ToB, do you mind sharing your thoughts on the album as a whole? I'm curious.

Pethead wrote:

ToB, do you mind sharing your thoughts on the album as a whole? I'm curious.

I try to avoid saying much about Christian metal albums that people are gushing over because people take it personally and use it as an excuse to attack me or my band (as if everyone in my band agrees with me on all things).  I've been down this road before on this forum.  Generally I like to support more Christian metal getting made (as shown by many of my posts here).  I'll chime in occasionally to echo comments that others have made.

Temple of Blood wrote:

Pethead wrote:

ToB, do you mind sharing your thoughts on the album as a whole? I'm curious.

I try to avoid saying much about Christian metal albums that people are gushing over because people take it personally and use it as an excuse to attack me or my band (as if everyone in my band agrees with me on all things).  I've been down this road before on this forum.  Generally I like to support more Christian metal getting made (as shown by many of my posts here).  I'll chime in occasionally to echo comments that others have made.

Fair enough. Sorry, I didn't mean to put you on the spot. I can delete my question if you wish.

Pethead wrote:

Temple of Blood wrote:

Pethead wrote:

ToB, do you mind sharing your thoughts on the album as a whole? I'm curious.

I try to avoid saying much about Christian metal albums that people are gushing over because people take it personally and use it as an excuse to attack me or my band (as if everyone in my band agrees with me on all things).  I've been down this road before on this forum.  Generally I like to support more Christian metal getting made (as shown by many of my posts here).  I'll chime in occasionally to echo comments that others have made.

Fair enough. Sorry, I didn't mean to put you on the spot. I can delete my question if you wish.

Perhaps ToB can send you a PM to reveal his opinion of the album. That way it won’t be posted public. 

Discussion boards are meant to share opinions and information. It’s sad to see someone feel they need to hold back their thoughts (unless it’s unnecessarily rude).

Perhaps ToB can send you a PM to reveal his opinion of the album. That way it won’t be posted public. wrote:
Discussion boards are meant to share opinions and information. It’s sad to see someone feel they need to hold back their thoughts (unless

Diddo.

15-20 years ago was the last time I was part of any forums. At that time I ended up being a jerk quite a few times when I only meant to be passionate. That is one of the reasons I didn't join any for all these years. The only person I've encountered that's been a jerk like that on this forum is one famous Christian rocker whom I think we know the name of. I have been pretty encouraged by everyone here and I feel like I've been pretty honest about stuff that I don't like.

Sevenoneself wrote:

Perhaps ToB can send you a PM to reveal his opinion of the album. That way it won’t be posted public. wrote:
Discussion boards are meant to share opinions and information. It’s sad to see someone feel they need to hold back their thoughts (unless

Diddo.

15-20 years ago was the last time I was part of any forums. At that time I ended up being a jerk quite a few times when I only meant to be passionate. That is one of the reasons I didn't join any for all these years. The only person I've encountered that's been a jerk like that on this forum is one famous Christian rocker whom I think we know the name of. I have been pretty encouraged by everyone here and I feel like I've been pretty honest about stuff that I don't like.

Why you gotta call me out like that, man?

I still enjoy the album. My only notable issue is how tinny the album sounds because the mechanized drum sound. It sounds like a drum machine. A lot of the meat of the riffing and power behind that songs lays flat because of it. David is one of my favorite drummers. It is hard to believe how the drums sound like this. He is generally unconventional and highly creative (listen to his work on the last three Extol albums and Azusa). I can't hear anything that sounds like "him."

As far as the tracks go, I really enjoy it. Some of the tracks like War in the Sky, Darfur, Freeloading Larceny and Stop the Bleeding are right up my alley and expertly crafted barn burners. Design and Biotech Babylon are super solid as well. I actually like the title track but the odd Alice in Chains "Again" vibe of the opening riff bothers me every time. It makes me not want to listen to it but once it gets beyond that I enjoy it. Not super big on My Last Ride but Guy's performance on that is amazing! Given someone else on vocals it musically wouldn't do much for me. As it is it is a good track but my least favorite song just the same. I'm not an instrumental guy so I barely listened to those tracks and have heard too many neoclassical renditions of pieces like The Four Seasons to bother with that at all.

Ultimately, there really isn't a track I don't like but only half draws me back for repeat listens.

Still super excited for more just the same.

Temple of Blood wrote:

Pethead wrote:

ToB, do you mind sharing your thoughts on the album as a whole? I'm curious.

I try to avoid saying much about Christian metal albums that people are gushing over because people take it personally and use it as an excuse to attack me or my band (as if everyone in my band agrees with me on all things).  I've been down this road before on this forum.  Generally I like to support more Christian metal getting made (as shown by many of my posts here).  I'll chime in occasionally to echo comments that others have made.

I think some people are not used to your bluntness. And maybe it’s not your intention to come across as harsh or cold, it’s just the nature of typing words online. I guess that’s why they have the emoji’s to help replace the loss of inflection from a real voice. 

I do applaud your current self-awareness to protect your band’s reputation. It’s true that your views don’t necessarily reflect your other bandmates. It’s not hard to see that if anyone has their own band and also participates on a discussion board, they will inevitably have a target on their back if their opinions come across as unflattering. Your music will automatically be judged on the “hot seat” and compared to others as well. 

Consider this just my observation and commentary regarding this topic. I’m not against anyone. I actually think people are too sensitive. We should be able to have truthful opinions without attacks. It’s just the way it is… 
We need to be honest, but respectful too. I’m just as guilty as the next guy!

Pethead wrote:

Sevenoneself wrote:

Perhaps ToB can send you a PM to reveal his opinion of the album. That way it won’t be posted public. wrote:
Discussion boards are meant to share opinions and information. It’s sad to see someone feel they need to hold back their thoughts (unless

Diddo.

15-20 years ago was the last time I was part of any forums. At that time I ended up being a jerk quite a few times when I only meant to be passionate. That is one of the reasons I didn't join any for all these years. The only person I've encountered that's been a jerk like that on this forum is one famous Christian rocker whom I think we know the name of. I have been pretty encouraged by everyone here and I feel like I've been pretty honest about stuff that I don't like.

Why you gotta call me out like that, man?

I was actually going to make a direct reference to you by making fun of your moniker, like "lover-brain" or "favoured-mind" but as you can see the jokes were falling flat...And I also thought you might enjoy being lumped in with a celebrity like MS and didn't want you to get a "big-head" over that. 

Bummer!

Sorry to hear Erik Mendez left the band already…

His playing was sharper than ever! I’m curious why he chose to not continue.

NEWS UPDATE
19th December 2022

The Metal Onslaught Online Magazine has just posted that the new album is almost complete. I'm guessing it's going to be February/March time, but could possibly push in to April/May. Not sure really, so we'll just have to wait and see. No samples have been posted, but keep checking back here and I'll let you all know when any are released.
A little bit of sad news is that Erik Mendez isn't involved in the second album. Not sure who is going to take over from him, or whether Gary is going to just do all the guitars.