Nu metal is one of the most polarizing genres of music. While it was massively popular and commercially viable in the late 90s and early 2000s, critics absolutely despised it. The genre was often dismissed as juvenile, formulaic, and bland. Some of the more artsy nu metal bands, like Deftones and Incubus, did eventually earn critical acclaim for their genuine creativity, innovation, and originality. However, the genre is still widely regarded as creatively bankrupt by critics and music fans alike.

Personally, I think that most nu metal bands range from mediocre to downright awful. But I also think that it’s a genre full of hidden gems. Every once in a while, I’m lucky enough to stumble across one of these bands, usually while going down the “recommended songs” rabbit hole on Spotify. And one of those hidden gems is Depswa.

Depswa is a four-piece band from Modesto, California, founded in 1997. In 2003, Depswa released their debut album, Two Angels and a Dream. At the time, the band’s lineup consisted of lead singer Jeremy Penick, guitarists Dan Noonan and James Mills, bassist Ryan Burchfield, and drummer Gordon Heckaman. The album was produced by Howard Benson, a top-notch producer who has worked with a plethora of artists, including Kelly Clarkson, Flyleaf, My Chemical Romance, and Three Days Grace.

Two Angels and a Dream has sold over 39,000 copies in the United States to date, which is surprisingly good considering how little the album was promoted. But despite the impressive sales, the album failed to make much of an impact on the nu metal scene, and Depswa soon faded into obscurity.

I’m not exactly sure why this album failed to resonate with listeners at the time. But if I have to speculate, I think it’s because Depswa was trying to do too much at once. In my opinion, Depswa occupied a really weird space in the world of 2000s rock, bridging the gap between artsy nu metal (Deftones, Taproot, Incubus), aggressive underground nu metal (40 Below Summer, Unloco), anthemic radio rock (Linkin Park, Three Days Grace), and Tool-lite alternative metal (Chevelle, Evans Blue). Essentially, Depswa’s sound was so eclectic that it lacked a distinct identity.

While that description may sound a bit off-putting, I want to clarify that Two Angels and a Dream is still an album that I highly recommend checking out. I can’t promise that you’ll love it, but I can guarantee that it will take you for a ride.

For the most part, Two Angels and a Dream is incredibly strong from start to finish. This album is an emotional rollercoaster, ranging from explosive angst (“This Time”, “Not Responsible”, “From the Inside”) to tender introspection (“Prom Song”, “Two Angels and a Dream”) and simmering menace (“Charades”). The guitars are sometimes downtuned and crunchy, and at other times, they’re melodic and warm, or spacey and atmospheric. While the drums and bass aren’t especially noteworthy, they’re perfectly serviceable, providing a solid backbone for the guitars. Some songs also feature programmed sound effects that add a bit of cinematic flair.

The true highlight of this album, however, is Jeremy Penick’s vocals. Penick’s voice is utterly mesmerizing as he seamlessly transitions from intimate crooning to soaring high notes and throaty screams. He clearly drew inspiration from the iconic vocal styles of Chino Moreno, Brandon Boyd, and Maynard James Keenan while adding his own quirks, and I absolutely love it. There are moments where Penick’s voice sounds slightly whiny or a bit too breathy, but overall, he’s got some serious vocal chops.

Ultimately, Two Angels and a Dream may not be an album that everyone will enjoy. But if you’re a fan of artsy, introspective alt-metal, then it just might be a perfect fit for you. And if not, then you can at least appreciate the passion and artistry behind it. The guys from Depswa are seriously talented, and their music absolutely deserves more recognition.

Score: 8/10