Review BRUTUS ‘Unison Life’

Brutus from Belgium belong since 2014 to the exciting acts, which impress the music scene with an amazing mixture of different styles. Progressive rock elements find a place in the music of Brutus as well as metal and postcore parts, all presented with a punk attitude.

The trio premiered with the ‘Burst’ album in 2017 and followed it up with ‘Nest’, a stellar follow-up record. Now it is ‘Unison Life’ which again represents a direct hit.

Whether Brutus play fast and hard or turn to slow rhythms, each of the ten songs on the album is a little work of art. What defines the sound of Brutus, in addition to the variety of styles, is the restless energy with which the three Belgians go to work. Mentioned in this context is the intense ‘Dreamlife’ with its energetic beginning. In addition, it is the slightly husky voice of Stefanie Mannaerts that fills each of the songs with life. The fact that Mannaerts is also the drummer of the band makes the music of Brutus even more fascinating.

Atmospheric, on the other hand, is the beginning of the album. ‘Miles Away’ is a very calm opener, even if noisy elements in the final third are a hint of the rest of the record. ‘Brave’ gets out of the starting blocks all the more crashing. A melancholic vibe meets anarchic outbursts of sounds, a field of tension that thrills and roars along.

Darker and calmer, that is ‘What Have We Done’. The trio once again knows how to revive great feelings in their sound, so that the intensity of the song does not leave you without a chill.

A song, which was already released as a single is ‘Liar’. Brutus kick it up a notch here and rock the hell out. Guitars are in the foreground and there are a few twists, such as the peaceful middle section, which are the added spice.

One of my favorites is ‘Storm’, as Brutus skillfully combine melodies, heaviness, tempo and finesse in this song. This mix is irresistible and ‘Storm’ has the potential to blow one away.

With ‘Desert Rain’ the outfit has packed a six-minute post-rock colossus at the end. Frantic beats, furious guitars and soulful moments blend into an emotional journey through the world of modern rock music.

Brutus deliver a great album. ‘Unison Life’ shows a young and hungry band that defies conventions and follows their heart. The result is music that is authentic and real. ‘Unison Life’ is powerful, dynamic, soulful and very emotional. Since the longplayer also comes along with an impressive versatility, a lasting listening pleasure is guaranteed.