THE FIRE IN OUR THROATS WILL BECKON THE THAW

OK- I consider myself extremely open to all genres of prog. I enjoy prog metal, symphonic prog, classic prog, neo, you name the genre, I probably own a few masterpieces from each category. Now one would think that since prog metal is my favorite genre all around, that post metal would be another nice addition. Well, if this album is considered one of the best from the genre, then count me out for post metal. To me this sounds like Explosions in the Sky, but heavier and muddier. This sounds like a band that has no musical/technical talent what soever. Musical talent? Hardly. There is nothing pretty, gloomy, or interesting about it at all. It provokes nothing. Now I know technical talent will only go so far; (i.e. all the Dream Theater haters) but Pelican sound like a bunch of musicians that have only been playing their instruments for about a year. I mean honestly, I suck at guitar, but give me a few lessons over the course of a year and I could play this same stuff. And the drummer? Ouch. To go with the lack of musicianship is a poor lack of production. It sounds, muddy, unclear, and just plain messy.

The music shows no progression and build. Rather, it gets louder, messier, and by the time the song is nearing the end you may be begging for it to just stop. Into the Sea (which for some reason is raved about on the archives) is a prime example of this progression.

I really wanted to like this album. But after a few listens I can safely say I will listen to it no more, and probably no more post metal albums as well. 1 star.