GIVEN TO THE RISING

Neurosis have returned from 2004's disappointing The Eye of Every Storm, with an undeniably epic and absolutely flooring release. Surpassing even Through Silver In Blood, Given to the Rising is a startling amalgam of everything Neurosis has become famous for over the years: Intense "Walls of Sound", tribal drumming, apocalyptic landscapes and shifts, and some of the most crushing music ever recorded.

The album starts off on its highest note with what may be the best song Neurosis has ever done, the title track, Given to the Rising. After a riff-charged salvo, Scott Kelly screams "We Stand Encircled by Wing and Fire" and the track absolutely takes off. Alternating from the most pulse-pounding guitar crush to awe-inspiringly beautiful almost post-rock sections, this track is clearly the strongest on the album and a joy to listen to.

"Fear and Sickness" starts off with classic Neurosis drone and breaks off into chaotic guitars over stunning tribal rhythms before devolving into frightening distorted noise. A great track.

" To the Wind" is one of the strongest tracks on the album. The intro is undeniably post- rock inspired, I thought at first that I was listening to Yndi Halda or EITS. The lush intro gives way to crushing riffs and Kelly's trademark vocals. After another ambient interlude, the track finishes out with frightening power.

"At the End of the Road" is ultimately the one let-down on the album. Five minutes of strange guitar noises and creepy textures gets quite tiresome, and the violent end isn't enough to save this song.

"Shadow" is the first of two short, monologue driven tracks on the album and provides a nice contrast if frightening. The monologue deals with typical Neurosis topics of isolation and bleak imagery. For reference, I would say GY!BE's "The Dead Flag Blues" has a monologue quite similar.

"Hidden Faces" is another excellent track with excellent guitar work and stellar drumming.

"Water is Not Enough" is still a good song, but clearly not on par with the rest of the album. The riffs are just too repetitive and simplistic.

"Distill (Watching the Storm" is an absolutely bleak and crushing track. Apocalyptic guitars, tortured screams, resounding drums, this is classic Neurosis. Think "Through Silver In Blood". The most punishig track on the album.

"Nine" is another short track, that feels quite out of place. Unlike "Shadow", the track is not a monologue all the way through, but instead consists of squeeling guitars that nearly sound like tea-kettles going off which gives way into a monologue. Ultimately, the sounds are quite annoying and the track just feels out of place and unecessary.

"Origin" closes out the album in an unbelievable fashion. Lovely, swirling guitars and peaceful soundscapes surround the vocals. 9 minutes of stunning beauty is suddenly torn asunder as Kelly screams "I SHATTER" and the track shifts into epic straining guitar as the song reaches its climax. A perfect end to a earth-shattering album.

Bravo Neurosis, Bravo.

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