CORTICAL TECTONICS

3.5 stars.This isn't as good as the last one "Penumbra Diffuse" but that's all a matter of taste I suppose. This one just hasn't clicked with me (except for the last track) even though we still get that very high degree of technical virtuosity and lots of heaviness. I think the previous album incorporated more atmosphere and synths which was more to my liking.

"Berserker Hypothesis" is a funny title but really explains what's about to hit the fan. Impressive drumming early on this one. I really like when it settles 2 minutes in. It kicks back in with even more aggression. "Sinusoid Mirage" is laid back until it kicks into gear after 2 minutes. It's more melodic after 4 minutes, I like the guitar. "Interface" is all so intricate and reminds me of KING CRIMSON. Synths come and go.

"Gamma Knife" is heavy right away and stays that way. "Rhizome" is much more laid back until it turns heavy after 1 1/2 minutes.The guitar starts to solo before 4 minutes. "Reticular Consciousness" is the epic but even if it was only 5 minutes long it would be my favourite. Heavy drums and lots of guitar early. It settles after 3 minutes. Fripp-like guitar 7 minutes in.The tempo picks up before 9 1/2 minutes. Nice guitar too. It's heavy again and then it settles before 13 1/2 minutes. I like the relaxed drumming to end it.

Very close to being 4 stars.