I'm still looking. Try as I might, I won't find it. This is a good band with a good CD, and you'd be crazy to think otherwise. It may not be the most original thing in the world, but they don't sound like copycats in the least bit.


unique and awesome.   May 11, 2005
BUKEFAL
5 out of 6 found this review helpful


it's hard to describe this album. they obviously have some influences from some other bands (eg Tool, A Perfect Circle, Sevendust), but after a while you begin to hear their sound as theirs alone. and the more you become familiar with their sound, you find it harder and harder to make parallels to other bands... and you'll realise why you should never have considered putting them in the nu-metal 'category' in the first place.

the songwriting, lyrics, musicianship and production are excellent. usually, a band's debut doesn't have the best audio production, but this is an exception. not overly produced, but still clear and loud. audiophiles will love it. why does it sound so good? look at the names these guys managed to get on their album production credits: Toby Wright, Brendan O'Brien and David Campbell.

Memento make a lot of religious references, but these can be interpreted in other ways - this is good for those of us who don't like being preached to. if you have or have had a special person in your life, some songs will rip your heart out while making your ears beg for more. i always feel emotionally exhausted after listening to this CD, and it's a very depressing album (check out the story behind 'stare' on their website bio). Cotta's vocals are emotional and genuine. the guitars/basses of Cotta, Space and Lats are beautiful when clean (eg the four layered guitars on the chorus of 'saviour') and when the distortion kicks in, it kicks your ass (eg 'coming'). their sound isn't as dense as Pantera's, but it doesn't need to be. it lets the music breathe. the percussion is well suited to the sound and drummer Clark has tremendous taste. my only complaint is that the drums should've been turned up a notch.

despite all their talent, there's one tragic thing about Memento: they are no more. they broke up in late 2004, and hardly anyone seems to know about that. Man vs Clock is the current band featuring Cotta and Lats, and from what i've heard of it, it's more acoustic and simple. Memento will be VERY missed by their true fans.

myself and millions of other musicians wish we could write music like this.

this one of the best albums i have ever heard.


In your blood I write... this is the best cd of the year.   October 5, 2003
Nathan Proctor (Michigan)
5 out of 6 found this review helpful

Memento - (n) - an keepsake; something one kept as a pleasant reminder.
Beginnings speaks on a subject which touches a lot of people. They share their views on God and religion throughout the disc in a variety of ways, mixing themes of disbelief and anger. You can feel the genuine pain. The lyrics are well written and arranged. Each verse seems to have several of its own vocal harmonies.
These guys know how to write a great music as well. The guitarist has several different styles of playing and even mixes fingerstyle into a hard rock song, yet maintaining a steady rhythm to mosh with.
There is a lot of creative energy throughout the cd. Some songs I've found myself listening to over and over: "Stare" and the title track, though the whole cd is worth dozens of listens.
In summary, Memento is easily one of the best artists to be arriving on the metal scene. This is a keepsake that will remain in my collection as long as I live. If you haven't picked up the CD yet, what are you waiting for!?


nothing new   August 18, 2003
Howard Teitel (nyc)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

without the song nothing sacred this cd would probably get only one star,music has a touch of disturbed anf tool


...   July 10, 2003
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

I can not believe the reviews that compare this band to the greatness of Tool (the best band on earth). Tool does have a lot of meaning behind thier songs and that is great that is one of the reasons why Tool is so great other than Maynards great vocals and Danny's awsome drums, but unlike Memento, Tool is capable of sending this message without being preachy about it. If you come in during the middle of some of these songs You could swear you were listening to Christian rock. Save yourself some money and get something else. The only song that is worth hearing on here is "Nothing Sacred"