INDIVIDUAL THOUGHT PATTERNS

Following the undergound success (somewhat oxymoronic I know) and critical acclaim of Human, Chuck did not rest on his laurels. Sean Reinert returned to Cynic, who had loaned him to Chuck for Human. Paul Masvidal also was out, so Chuck once again had to reconfigure his lineup. He keeps fretless bass wonder Steve DiGiorgio and adds ex-Dark Angel and future Devin Townsend drum wizard Gene Hoglan as well as the underrated ex- King Diamond guitarist Andy LaRocque. This isn't Death's greatest lineup, but it is the most star packed (if you can call underground icons "stars").

Individual Though Patterns continues the lyrical slant of Human, eschewing the gore of old for introspection and social commentary. While the track are just as strong as those found on Human, something about it just didn't click with me the way that Human had. However, there are some Death classics here: The Philosopher is in my top 5 favorite Death songs, with Steve's best basswork to date; it even beats out the solo on Cosmic Seas even though he doesn't solo on this song. Chuck's lyrics are so full of bile and anger this song wouldn't sound out of place on a Rage Against the Machine album. Trapped In a Corner is a fine display of Gene's talent; this former drum tech for Slayer drum god Dave Lombardo can match almost anything his inspiration has put out.

As with Human, this is more technical than progressive, but, once again, the Opeth fans should stop right now and at least buy the studio output from Human through the swan song Sound of Perserverance. The lyrical focus and the experimentation are the foundation for Opeth. You might as well get all their studio albums just to learn about this genre-pioneering vessel for one man's genius.

PA Grade: C+

Metal standpoint grade: B