Review Summary: The all-too-brief return of polemic UK metallers
Ten years after departing the scene, UK noiseniks One Minute Silence returned with this six track EP, their first new material since 2003's "One Lie Fits All". Featuring two brand new tracks, a re-working from OLFA, two remixes and an acoustic number, "Fragmented Armageddon" is the debut for new drummer Martin Davies, the three original members, vocalist Yap, guitarist Massy and jumping-bean bassist Glen all returning.
The band has always shown a willingness to experiment with their music, breaking free from their rap-metal roots to embrace a more progressive side by the release of their final album. Here is no different, "Fruit for the Lie" kicks thing off with Glenn's unmistakeable bass followed by Yap's almost spoken-word vocals. Just as the song begins to lull the listener, the distortion of Massy's off-kilter guitar kicks in to remind you how heavy OMS could be when they chose, the song ending with his guitar dive bombing over a more intricate, atmospheric guitar layer. "Pandemic Schizophrenia" opens to the sound of crowd noise and sirens before Yap's polemic slam poetry mixes with the urgent guitar, this song would doubtless be fantastic in a live setting, something the band was previously heralded for. The band may have aged during their absence, but the anger and fire that propelled them remains undimmed, Yap's work in Pink Punk evident in his stream-of-consciousness vocals.
The re-working of "You So Much As Move" provides a fresh look at a track from OMS' most underrated album and is worth its place on the EP. The solid rhythm section propels things along at a fair rate, drummer Martin Davies provided with opportunity to stamp his mark on the band. The two remixes are of passing interest, especially "Fruit for the Lie - Ben Hurd Remix" which is heavy with dub-step, a new sound for the band. "Early Morning" features guitarist Massy on vocals and is a stripped-down acoustic affair, which sits a little uneasily against their heavier offerings but is still accomplished nevertheless.
One Minute Silence were always one of the more interesting metal bands to come from the UK, strong enough to stand toe-to-toe with their US peers due to their phenomenal live shows and willingness to evolve. Unfortunately things have gone quiet from the band since this EP was released and so it appears that Fragmented Armageddon will be little more than a footnote in OMS' career.
Attribution: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customer-reviews/R1GHUC2OBAR3QB/
