Pyogenesis completely abandons their doom/death and gothic roots on
Twinaleblood, a strong but confusing effort from the German outfit. The transition from their prior sound (something like
Paradise Lost) to the radio-friendly alternative metal is extreme, and while texturally similar, this new conceptual approach confused the band's following. Pure metal fans had a tough time appreciating it, but
Twinaleblood's interesting arrangements and above-average songcrafting gave the group legitimate mainstream appeal. The relatively ambitious title cut is a clear standout. With its many dynamic changes and melodies, "Twinaleblood" and other tunes like it are both elaborate and catchy. This 1995 Nuclear Blast release can't challenge discs from the likes of
Creed and
Stone Temple Pilots, but considering the oxymoronic pop-metal genre's conspicuous ambitions, perhaps
Pyogenesis was attempting to fill what is perhaps the greatest artistic vacuum within the myriad of metal subgenres. For that, they deserve a little credit.