Candiria
Process of Self.Development (MIA)
by Tim Den
Not all hype should be believed. Especially not a Rolling Stone rave about “The Top 10 Metal Bands of the Decade.” Korn: The most important metal band of the ’90s? Give me a fuckin’ break. I’ll bet they wouldn’t get dick for mention if they weren’t hip to Adidas and “alternative” haircuts. Any artist who gets mentioned by RS is bound to be full of shit (but fashionable) and loaded with green-powered promotion. Unless, of course, you’re Brooklyn, NY’s Candiria. Candiria was among the “Top 10” metal bands mentioned in that worthless RS article (OK, they mentioned Meshuggah, too. Maybe they’re starting to wake up), and indeed, they’ll be one of the most important bands in the coming years. But not only in the genre of metal. Candiria’s hybrid of jazz, hip-hop (true hip-hop, none of that rapcore bullshit), futuristic hardcore, and apocalyptic presentation (gorgeous layout, lyric theory, and overall flowing imagery) is not only the freshest sound to emerge out of the avant-garde heavy scene in ages, it’s getting audiences everywhere to reevaluate experimental music, aggro-core, crossover trends, and record design. Candiria’s done this not just by switching from one mood to another, but by never losing their listeners to overly-artsy/self-indulgent gibberish. For that alone, Candiria has solidified their position as a top contender. Whereas many from the same scene concentrate on expanding limits without care for songwriting, Candiria wants you to fuck shit up and contemplate philosophy hand-in-hand. Balance is the key for this band, and it shows in the way they maintain a core vibe (and identity) despite the million directions they explore.
Drawing on everything from Thelonius Monk, Meshuggah, The Roots, and early ’90s fusion-prog-jazz-metal a la Cynic and Believer, Candiria’s multi-faceted identity also embodies something none of the above had: urban discipline. A feel of street-smarts and intellectual advancement permeates the songs. It’s this feel that gives Candiria their individuality. While other acts cling to either artistic intellect or street thug attire, Candiria embraces both. They make tough music sound intelligent, and intelligent music sound tough.
Who knows, they might just be the melting pot in which both worlds finally recognize each other’s importance. And that’s the main reason this band will be essential in the coming years. As the “Wyld Stallions” of the ’00s, Candiria will usher in a new age where blue-collared muscle and literary thesis co-exist in harmony.
(315 Church St. 2nd Fl. New York, NY 10013)
