EXOPLANET

Djent. As quickly as it entered the "metallisphere" (as I call it) with the rise of Meshuggah, people quickly realized that it's super boring and repetitive. But hey, at least the guitars sound cool? Does that count as progress?

Perhaps, but immediately djent focused bands had to refine their approach, and realized that they could alternate the signature "djent" power chords with more subtle guitar approaches, mix in some ambiance and clarity, and The Contortionist was one of the first to really break that mold and become of the first to rapidly gain attention in a more progressive metalcore environment.

And this album doesn't start off too bad. There's plenty of brutality for the heavy-set, but also a fair bit of singing as well as the contrasting "softer spots". Compared to their future albums, though, this album features the most screaming. Therefore, it may seem contradictory that this, their heaviest disc, might also be the most progressive? Hmm, not quite.

Personally, I like their second effort, "Intrinsic", most of all out their catalog so far. It's a pleasant enough balance between both heavy and soft, singing and screaming, hot vs cold tendencies. While "Exoplanet" is far from brilliant, it is fairly self explanatory in educating the un-educated on just what to expect when listening to this band.

Well to sum it up, it's essentially a brutal disc, occasionally behaving in a very rigid, almost technical way, before the occasional break in the sky and a sweet lull of singing and ambient guitar plucks save you from certain face-smashed doom. Beyond that descriptor, there's not really much more to say about this album (and quite honestly, this band).

I mean, if it's something you'd into from day one, congratulations, you might enjoy it. I still find (especially this disc) to be difficult to get into. The later two albums are more accessible, granted, but "Language" I think feels a bit lifeless, not in complete sell out mode, but almost in complete shut-down mode, and frankly, trying to explain this shift in their sound (so quickly, I might add, just a span of 4 years) is impossible even for me right now.

If you favor the brutal side, this is your album. If not, try "Intrinsic". If, however, you desire a more progressive metallic sound, but you want it to be very friendly and predictable, but also balance heavy and soft, then Skyharbor's "Guiding Lights" is for you (I've been stuck on them for weeks now). With radio friendly choruses but unconventional song structures, it shines where "Languages" tries, but in my opinion, fails.