Band:	Disperse
Album:	Foreword
Style:	Djent, Progressive metal
Release date:	February 24, 2017
A review by:	tea[m]ster

01. Stay
02. Surrender
03. Bubbles
04. Tomorrow
05. Tether
06. Sleeping Ivy
07. Does It Matter How Far?
08. Foreword
09. Neon
10. Gabriel
11. Kites

Poland's Disperse have made one of the more diverse progressive rock records in recent memory. Foreword is a precise blend of post-rock's delicate guitar lines, prog rock's complicated song structures, and metal music's forceful wall of sound when it needs to be. Yes, I know, fans of their last album are probably wondering why I didn't include djent in the genre descriptions. That's because most of the djent from Living Mirrors has evaporated and Disperse have changed gears.

Foreword is a very modern-sounding progressive record with escapades of contemporary and commercial elements. The songs are connected quite well but are singularly designed to encapsulate emotional resonance. Memorable chord progressions, technical but not overbearing arrangements, and minor influences from other sub-genres extract soundscapes that are uplifting and fun to listen to.

The production is tight, fluid and, above all, flawless. Each ingredient in the music can be easily selected to fix your ears upon. Whispered-style vocals over here, intricate guitars over there and quality bass and drums laying an abetting shroud over it all. However, the best parts of the music are the electronics, keyboards and samples. They are in perfect place and sound natural and authentic. I love this aspect of the music I listen to and Disperse have nailed it.

One specific musical characteristic I especially like on Foreword is the airy, child-like samples that show up from time to time. Beaming a sort of joie de vivre experienced in leitmotifs found in film scores and video game music, I couldn't help but be reminded of Final Fantasy music. The tone elevates the atmosphere and mood into the uncharted territory of soft pop-rock. Sounds scary? Trust me, this is not a bad thing.

The only spat that may occur with this album is I can see why it could generate a yin/yang titillation for fans of the band. On the one hand it is refreshing not to hear generic, grade C, Charlie Brown material that flaunts revisited melodies and rehashed musical concepts that have been done over and over. On the other hand, some progressive purists may be soured by the more accessible radio-ready fare found in Foreword. Disperse have ignored their djent roots and with song titles like "Bubbles" and "Kites" fans of the band, heck, even metal fans in general, may employ caution and hesitation. Keep an open mind.

As always, in most of my reviews I like to name similar bands for reference and guidance. This one is tough because Foreword is so unique. The sound is rich, sweeping and highly melodic, but, at the moment, peerless. I dug deep and Eden Circus is the first band that comes to mind, with a shout-out to fellow countrymen Riverside and Australian alternative and neo-prog band Dead Letter Circus.

Enjoy Foreword here: bandcamp