Los Angeles-based Intronaut just might be the mad scientists of the heavy metal world. Since 2004, they have been tinkering with their own formula for mathematically challenging, progressive post metal, and have done so with increasing success. In the spirit of evolution, the band shook things up once again by recording their fifth full-length album The Direction of Last Things in a mere four days, mostly live off the studio floor.
Mixed by the practically infallible Devin Townsend, the resulting album sounds surprisingly crisp and polished considering the speed at which it was recorded. Each member's performance is given proper room to shine, with special attention paid, as always, to bassist Joe Lester's signature fretless style. Although Intronaut have revived some of the heavier elements of early records like Void and Prehistoricisms, — namely the harsh vocals — to call this new album a return to form would be remiss, given all the jazzy, progressive moments that made 2013's Habitual Levitations so critically applauded. Rather, The Direction of Last Things is an expansive culmination of the band's past sonic explorations — a definitive style guide, if you will.
This is the product of a band that have finally found themselves, mastering their own unique sound and delivering it with assuredness. All hail metal's next progressive heavyweights.
(Century Media)Mixed by the practically infallible Devin Townsend, the resulting album sounds surprisingly crisp and polished considering the speed at which it was recorded. Each member's performance is given proper room to shine, with special attention paid, as always, to bassist Joe Lester's signature fretless style. Although Intronaut have revived some of the heavier elements of early records like Void and Prehistoricisms, — namely the harsh vocals — to call this new album a return to form would be remiss, given all the jazzy, progressive moments that made 2013's Habitual Levitations so critically applauded. Rather, The Direction of Last Things is an expansive culmination of the band's past sonic explorations — a definitive style guide, if you will.
This is the product of a band that have finally found themselves, mastering their own unique sound and delivering it with assuredness. All hail metal's next progressive heavyweights.