The Blank Theory have limitless potential, as their debut album,
Beyond the Calm of the Corridor, is an eccentric energy burst of molten nu-metal drawing from influences as wide-ranging as
Deftones and
Ministry. Former
Smashing Pumpkins member
James Iha and
Fountains of Wayne's
Adam Schlesinger were quick to ink the band to a record deal and it is apparent why. Brothers Nathan and Matthew Leone have a distinct flair for heavy rock and manage to steer their group in a courageous new direction while still maintaining a resemblance to more well-known artists such as
Korn.
Iha also performs on several songs, lending his guitar skill to "Addicted" and "Killing Me." The 13 songs presented are crisp and consistently enjoyable and never leave the listener with a chance to stop the disc. If every nu-metal band followed the Blank Theory's lead, the rock scene would be a much more interesting place and originality would be lauded instead of the bland sameness that is considered listenable. ~ Jason D. Taylor