MNEMIC are known for their stylized electronics and nifty, often unconventional time-based compositions. Most critics are quick to dismiss the band as typical Pop Metal, lacking the integral skill sets required of a true Metal act. Their unique and intelligent time changes, however, have earned them a rising level of respectability with each new release, and a steady following of fans are always willing to come to their defense. So what happens when this last level of ingenuity is removed? The answer to that question comes in the form of "Sons Of The System".

It isn't to say that the band has abandoned their mathematical approach to time-riffing altogether, for it appears that they still tried to incorporate it to some degree. The focus with this album, however, seems to be more on catchiness than anything else. Now, before writing them off completely, there are still some major positives to this change. It's fun, it's light, it's good background listening, and it's pretty accessible. That means that your girlfriend won't yell at you to turn it off in the way they would if you played, oh, say... CANNIBAL CORPSE. They may even kinda like it.

Guillaume Bideau really finds ways to make these tracks interesting, especially on the latter half of the album. "Orbiting" is one you'll find yourself playing over a few times before moving on to the final track. Even the laziest tracks have at least something to draw you in, and without the complicated time changes, it's pretty easy to go from start to finish without skipping songs. If you can handle a little Pop Metal, MNEMIC are at the top of the genre, and their new affinity for melodic progression only highlights what they do best.