The Divided Line - Paramnesia album review

Artful Canadian rockers trace over some familiar templates

Cover art for The Divided Line - Paramnesia album

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‘Paramnesia’ is defined as a distortion of memory that confuses fact and fantasy – or in other words, déjà vu. It’s an apt name for the debut six-tracker from these Toronto prog-rockers who tip their cap very obviously to Tool, Deftones and Pearl Jam. It makes for an interesting canvas to work from, but if there’s a criticism, it’s that Paramnesia is front-loaded. By the time it draws to a close, its driving, metronomic pulse has become leaden, more slog than groove. Luckily, the earlier tracks are promising. Breathe, Dimensional and Phylliidae are choppy and propulsive, changing direction at a moment’s notice while frontman Greg Cave glowers on penetrating melodies amid metallic riffs and imposing bass. Drawing from a disparate mix of influences, The Divided Line have succeeded in carving a sound that’s knotty, intense and brooding.

Dannii Leivers

Danniii Leivers writes for Classic Rock, Metal Hammer, Prog, The Guardian, NME, Alternative Press, Rock Sound, The Line Of Best Fit and more. She loves the 90s, and is happy where the sea is bluest.