As with any Technical Death Metal band, one can always make reference back to the pioneering work that bands like Atheist, Death, and Cynic unleashed on the Metal community. These bands focused on multiple influences, including Jazz and Progressive Metal, to bring forth a new sound for the Death Metal genre. Believe me, few bands have “pulled it off” the way the aforementioned bands have done to the extent they are actually acknowledged in Metal history. Granted those bands are the forefathers of Death Metal, I have thoroughly enjoyed the Death Metal scene, especially from Canada, since Death’s last release.
Neuraxis, from Canada (who could’ve guessed, right?), comes right along after three previous works to enlighten the world with their technical masterpiece, <i>Trilateral Progression<i>, which was released in 2005. Granted, I can’t say that they surpassed such acts like Kataklysm, Cryptopsy, or Quo Vadis in the brutal sense, but they have incorporated those crucial influences with such an addicting melody that once you listen to the whole CD, you will go back for more.
Ian Campbell is one of the few vocalists in this genre who has a truly unique sound and often reminds me of a US pioneer by the name Billy Milano of S.O.D. fame. But, Mr. Campbell can reach such impressive lows that I want to check for effects pedals if and when I get to see them live. (Just Kidding)
This album is amazing from start to finish and never lets up. The songs don’t come across as negative in the sense of “Death” metal. They are quite upbeat and sustain a theme about the systems of mankind, intelligence, and a quest for moral achievement. Though, these are just my interpretations after pondering the lyrics to the 10 tracks of blistering blast beats and furious riffing that would lead many to think otherwise.
Article comments
1 - Mark Saleski
audio annihilation....i like that!
2 - Guppusmaximus
Thanks Mark. I sometimes find a phrase that encapsulates the talent and emotion of a band's work. In the Metal genre,it's just that much harder to use words to explain the pure ferocity of these bands.
3 - Mark Saleski
i'm not sure what song is playing when you go to their website but it sure is pretty brutal. totally dig the varying time signatures.
4 - Aaron Fleming
This sounds right up my lane and will definatly be checked out, Willowtip does indeed have a great pedigree.
And good to see you writing your own reviews these days, rather than just criticising other peoples'. :)
Nah, but seriously, this is some good stuff, and written with clarity and intellegence. Look forward to reading more!
5 - Guppusmaximus
Thanks Aaron... I can be a harsh critic but it's even worse with my own material thus the reason why I put my own reviews on hold and the fact that I am completely stupid with HTML.*Smirk* I use Dreamweaver 8,ya know. Blogcritics has been good to me, so I decided to jump back in full steam.
Mark, I tried replying before but there was an issue with the site.
The name of the song is "Clarity". I love it and it really stands out on their CD. If you like those time changes, check out Necrophagist "Epitaph"
6 - Mark Saleski
i'm gonna have to buy some of this. always good to have one more "room-clearing" cd in my collection.
7 - Guppusmaximus
*Umm* Does that mean you like it??
8 - Mark Saleski
well yea. i did say that I was leaving the room!
9 - Mark Saleski
"...didn't say..."
nuts.
10 - Guppusmaximus
*Smirk*... Then you should also pick up:
Fantomas - Director's Cut
Mr. Bungle - California
IronChrist - Getting the Most out of your Extinction
11 - Mark Saleski
i have no Fantomas OR Mr. Bungle.
closest i get is that whacky Patton disc...Pranzo Oltranzista.
talk about a room-clearer!
12 - Guppusmaximus
Scratch that... Fantomas - Suspended Animation
13 - Guppusmaximus
Yeah... "Pranzo" is pretty F*cked, but I like it. Mr. Bungle - Self-titled is somewhat dated(I still love it) but it's definately pioneering... "California" is just brilliant.
Fantomas - "Director's Cut" is ahead of it's time and all their work is for that matter. Just pure, original creativity.