Intronaut - Prehistoricisms
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Topic: Intronaut - Prehistoricisms
Posted By: mamboboy
Subject: Intronaut - Prehistoricisms
Date Posted: September 23 2008 at 20:44
A great number of genre classification arguments in metal seem to stem
from the use of the term "progressive." Many refuse to let the meaning
stray from its "classical" definition, citing acts like Atheist and
Cynic as the true examples. Some feel that artists like Cult of Luna
and Mouth of the Architect deserve equal access to the term, as each
refuses to adhere to traditional songwriting structures. Still others
identify Between the Buried and Me and their impressive but often
incongruous musical mentality as the most accurate modern day
embodiment of the term. But it's time to expand the ring just a little
more, as Intronaut's Century Media debut, Prehistoricisms, delivers a
fantastically executed effort overflowing with free-flowing, inventive
musicianship, establishing the band as a major contender in the
progressive-metal-genre-argument cage match.
Prehistoricisms is
the complete album of which Intronaut fans have been dreaming ever
since the LA quartet teased listeners with last year's The Challenger
EP. All of the elements that have been instrumental in generating the
band's consistently growing buzz (the off-kilter rhythms, the
effortlessly smooth bass lines, the sharp guitar work, and the
masterful drumming) are present as part of Intronaut's trademark sound
on Prehistoricisms. But the record showcases a notable songwriting
shift away from that of past releases as the band takes a sizable step
back from a number of conventional metal ideas. Joe Lester's
accomplished bass work carries even more weight on Prehistoricisms,
often times leaving the guitarists to intertwine delay-soaked walls of
sound rather than traditional metallic riffing. "Any Port" and
"Prehistoricisms" both display this quality frequently, leaving much of
the tracks' melody and driving force to Lester's nimble fretwork.
But
don't worry; Intronaut hasn't gone soft. There are no clean vocals or
cheap melodies, and there's no lack of heavy moments on
Prehistoricisms. "The Literal Black Cloud" features massive one string
guitar grooves. "Australopithecus" unleashes a few periods of
Meshuggah-esque chugging. And "Any Port" stands out as it slowly decays
into nearly two minutes of intense dual drumming.
Intronaut's
delivery of a record that retains the same level of heaviness despite
shifting away from more traditional metallic elements is downright
mesmerizing. As Prehistoricisms moves between (arguably) metal's most
impressive bass progressions, intricate guitar lines, and carefully
controlled bouts of crushing force, it's not difficult to sense that
Intronaut has defined their own slice of the progressive metal genre.
Inventive metal acts may be rare these days, but if a few bands like
Intronaut can provide well-balanced and creative records like this,
there may be hope after all. Prehistoricisms is without a doubt one of
the top metal records to be released this year.
Bottom Line:
Intronaut stretched the boundaries of heavy music with Prehistoricisms
by taking a step back from traditional metallic elements and allowing
the band's smooth bass lines to hold an even greater songwriting role.
Old fans will be impressed with the band's evolution, and, thanks to a
wider release on Century Media, a great number of new fans will be
getting a tremendous introduction to one of metal's most distinctive
acts. So let's state the obvious: this record is absolutely mandatory
for any fans of progressive metal and innovative, heavy music.
9/10
http://lambgoat.com/albums/view.aspx?id=2672 - lambgoat.com
Definitely worth checking out!
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Replies:
Posted By: Dim
Date Posted: September 23 2008 at 21:17
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I'm gonna have to give it more listens now, I wasnt too impressed the first time around, but maybe it's just a grower.
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Posted By: Plankowner
Date Posted: September 23 2008 at 22:51
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Saw them play Any Ports live, was incredible.
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Posted By: Clyssus
Date Posted: November 15 2008 at 02:50
"Definitely worth checking out!" is an understatement... If you value creativity and individuality this is the album for you... Intronaut is indicative of a modern "progressive" sentiment that shines through the murky depths of extant post-metal...
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