The first incarnation of Austrian outcasts Sunterra dates back to 1998 when they released a split with Virgin Seed. From then to 2006, Sunterra had been working on a decent reputation, several releases and a heap of gigs, the last one being a sold-out concert in Vienna. Now, ten years later, the band returns, seemingly with a newly invented genre, one which they like to call 'metal-step'. It's a bold move, that's true.
I'm not sure if those stubborn metalheads will appreciate the dubstep references but to me it's just the next step in the continously evolving and adapting marriage of metal and electronics. Even more so, if anything, this album reminds me of a blend between acts like Samael or Tanzwut and Lacuna Coil, After Forever and so on. So yeah, gothic metal with very modern beats and sequencers 'Reign Supreme' could be a Samael track, which is awesome.
The opening of 'This Is W.A.R.' might be another passage that true metalheads will frown upon. Opening more like a DJ Tiesto or Aviivi tune than a metal song, this might be one of the most surprising tracks on this ep. However, when the guitars kick in, heads will bang, I can almost guarantee that. For me, this is the strangest track on this album. Not my favorite because that is the harsh dubstep inspired 'Ministry Of Thoughts'.
In all, 'Reborn' is a unique album, loaded with surprises. Besides, there plenty of variation, more than enough to keep you entertained. there might even be chance that you start dancing to some of these tunes, no matter how much of a metalhead you think you are. I like that, I like it when an album challenges these genre-boundaries and blatantly crosses them. So yes, you have to check this out, even if techno annoys you...
Serge