LORUS

"Evocation" The first track is an orchestral and grand beginning that builds into something sinister.

"Hut Hut Hut" I always reach for the volume knob on a post-metal album if the first track was something quiet or soothing, because I am almost sure the second track will be an immediate blast of distorted guitars and heavy drumming. Such is it here. Yet the riffs for the most part are intelligent and discernable, however, and there's a good demarcation among the individual instruments even as they strive to work together. It's aggressive, but not mush. There's a light keyboard solo toward the end that provides a gracious contrast over the snarling guitars, like a frightened fairy flying over a horde of barking wolves.

"PGD" Bass opens this piece, with an occasional modulated organ and distant guitar providing some discord. Graceful piano follows the barrage of guitars and welcomes them back.

"Is That You Gary?" Decidedly thick and heavy with some thrash elements, this grunting piece juxtaposes silence with some creative sounds, both from electric guitars and electronic sources.

"Moon 02" This is a nasty little spider of a track- biting guitars and venomous organ all weaving a web of delicious metal, all topped off with a solid drum solo- one of the best pieces of music I've heard in the genre, even if a bit immature.

"Priapus" How about a complete change of pace? This is a bass-driven foray into jazz territory with lovely guitar and keyboard; I would've preferred that they had expanded upon this piece (especially given the length of the album).

"Priapism" This piece is quite similar to Spock's Beard exploring metal (as they occasionally did). It has an element of quirkiness with respect to its electronic tones, yet has respectable riffs and plenty of focused variety.

"Parasitic Twin" Softer music in the vein of slow Tool makes up the bulk of this track, but there are some eruptions of metal from time to time. The electric piano provides a lovely contrast, at times lending this piece a more psychedelic flavor, and the synthesizer work is another treat. The composition itself is rather dragged out, though. The denouement involves soft guitar and stark piano.

While many of the metal bands have serious issues to talk about, sometimes it looks like there's no place to have a little fun and smile a while. If you feel like those guys are taking themselves too seriously then you'll definitely enjoy Lorus. These guys are as heavy as any other sludge metal band can be and they're mostly lumped into the genre because of the guitar work (or also in prog metal for their intricate song structures), but the mayor difference here is all thanks to Alan and his magical keyboard. The keys are mostly responsible for the quirky and cheerful atmosphere on Deluge, while Dylan, the guitarists, keeps a balance with his heavy and crunchy (and at times head banging) riffs. The drums and bass add that well needed backbone to Lorus' sound. The songs are bombastic, very dynamic and they never follow a blueprint of sorts so there's always something interesting to look for in every song. Heck!, there's even a jazz section in one song and an ambient part in another! Having said that, they aren't all over the place, and they do manage to stay focus and be diverse within the confinements of their sound.

By the end of the album you'll be left wanting for more. Their unique blend of styles and attitude is very addicting and you'll be tempted to push play as soon as the album finishes and the only thing to quench that desire is to keep an eye out for Lorus and wait for their next move. A promising band that won't disappoint. If only the album was a bit longer...

3.5 out of 5