Smeer's second album "Dischord" continues in the same vein as their debut "Loud & Clear". Those who don't know what Smeer sounds like, their sound is a blend of Metallica, Godsmack, Nickelback, Hoobastank and Staind (among many others)... By the way, Smeer was already formed six years ago, and the current line-up has been active for 4 years now. However, not until this year, they've started to release albums (first Loud & Clear and now Dischord).

I have to admit I'm not the biggest fan of Nu-Metal, but I have listened to some of it (in order to be able to rate nu-metal albums with expertise). Songs on Dischord are quite ordinary US metal songs, so they're very predictable. Actually I could predict some of the lyrics while listening this album for the first time (don't know if it's a good quality on a record). However, there were also some positive surprises here and there. For example, the 9th track (Seed) was a nice ballad, which gave the much needed variety on this album (not enough, though). By the way, that song was already included on their debut album Loud & Clear (they should have composed another great ballad for this album instead of including their old material).

Production on this album is good for the most part... Mastering has been done well, but the mix could have been better. Boominess isn't something that one should have in the "perfect" mix. The bass and bass drum were occasionally too bassy/boomy (fortunately not too often). Also the distorted rhythm tone could have been somewhat better (occasionally the rhythm guitars sounded very cheap). Maybe they were intended so, but I would have changed them for the better.

If you're a fan of US metal you should definitely check out Smeer (I wonder why they aren't as popular as Nickelback and Staind, for example). The production could have been better (for example, sound more powerful), but otherwise Smeer's comparable to the better known US Metal bands. By the way, Smeer is well-known for their incredibly energized live show, so you might want to check them out live as well.

Release date: 22.10.2004

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- MAGE (07.10.2004)

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LINE-UP:
Leclair, Ryan: Lead Vocal Boucher, Deny: Guitars and Backing Vocals Cote, Bryan: Bass and Acoustic Guitars Mellors, Niall: Drums
Producer:	Unavailable
Mixing by:	Unavailable
Mastering by:	Unavailable

	TRACKLIST:
	01. Broken 02. Down 03. I Don't Mind 04. Snob 05. Slipping 06. Falling Apart 07. Shame on You 08. So Wrong 09. Seed 10. Here Comes Jesus 11. To Your Sons