Band:	Irreversible
Album:	Surface
Style:	Atmospheric sludge metal
Release date:	September 13, 2014
A review by:	tea[m]ster

01. Degloving Injury
02. Side Effects Of Living
03. (Husk) Corpse Pose

Atlanta, Georgia's Irreversible mark a return to the glorious past with their latest release Surface. Gone are the hardcore/alternative elixirs from their last two releases, Ashes and Thorn. Back are the post metal capstones from Sins and Light. I love the reinvention. Not that Ashes and Thorn are bad albums, in fact, they are quite good, but that's all they are - good. Irreversible are at their best when they are playing expansive, dynamic and mystifying post metal. Surface is another trophy for Irreversible's mantle and a top-tier listen for atmospheric metal enthusiasts wanting spacey and musing yet thick and supple post metal.

Musically, it's the most diversified Irreversible album to date because Surface uses every post metal trait in the book. Beautiful noodle-y guitar motifs, crunching layered riffs and minimalist but bruising drum work are at the epicenter. Selective programming and electronics elevate the sound high into the atmosphere and sparse vocal content and some samples facilitate within the music. Post metal's greatest asset is it's ability to sound soothing for minutes and then build towards full blown amplification with oppressive instruments in full force - and although crescendo-style songs are pedestrian among bands in this genre, Irreversible are masters of this craft. The production is done well, the bass is especially cavernous, and the vocals, a potpourri of spoken word, clean singing and sludge-style yelling, are rooted precisely beneath the music. The copious atmosphere is ominous and totally disarming.

Yes, I am an Irreversible fan boy, and although they probably aren't on anyone's A-list of post metal bands, this should have no bearing on the willingness of post metal devotees to give this album a diligent listen. With 3 songs and 40 minutes of music, Surface begins in near silence and then slowly swells to synth-led ambiance to a massive barrier of bedlam and mayhem. Expressions of both mournful endlessness and immense satisfaction in beauty and human existence signifies Surface's highs and lows. It effortlessly delves into earthly depths and ascends celestial heights. Irreversible have returned to their prime with distinction and polarity.

Check out the band's Bandcamp page for a great view of the sweet album artwork and free download.