by Ed Rivadavia
Denmark's Mnemic offer a futuristic metal style evocative of post-industrial outfits such as Fear Factory and Strapping Young Lad. Formed in the town of Aalborg, circa 2000 (although the concept had been kicking around since 1997) by singer Michael Bøgballe, guitarist/keyboardist Mircea G. Eftemie, guitarist Rune Stigart, bassist Mikkel Larsen, and drummer/keyboardist Brian Rasmussen (also of Invocator), the group unleashed its debut album, Mechanical Spin Phenomena, in 2002, through Nuclear Blast. Timely appearances at Europe's major outdoor summer festivals followed, and having gained generally rave reviews and a small but loyal following, Mnemic proceeded to record their second album, The Audio Injected Soul (introducing new bassist Tomas "Oberst" Kofoed), for a 2004 release. Passenger arrived in 2007.