Subanez is a band that is not actually a band at all. Though you’ll find acoustic and electric guitar, drums, percussion, bass, and keyboard within the songs, these instruments, as well as the vocals are commanded by one single band member, Kevin Auger. You wouldn’t know it, unless you were told. Subanez present a sound with stark similarities to System of a Down or Tool, combining interesting, heavy guitar riffs through alternating melodies and dissonant chord progressions.

Full of imagery and substance, the lyrics don’t shy away from dark and deep topics related to sin and life.
The opening track, “Resemblance” is the most impressive track, which carries a haunting, heavy melody above swirling guitar that interplays beautifully with the hard-hitting rhythm section. “Learn” similarly emits a solemn message through rolling drum beats and suspenseful riffs.

The compositions are inventive and have the potential to hold their own among the vast sea of independent music that surrounds us; however, the production of the tracks is lacking the quality to compete. Instead of sparkle, we’re given a dull and drowned out version of songs that could shine. The vocals, especially, need more attention, as they tend to go out of tune at times and at other times lack the luster that would be expected during the climax of an intense verse. Overall, Subanez is impressive in content and originality, and would deliver a powerful and exquisite compilation of songs, with a bit of polishing on the recordings.

Review by Nadia Lelutia