Leprous - Bilateral - guest review
Leprous - Bilateral - guest review
Tracklist
01. Bilateral02. Forced Entry
03. Restless
04. Thorn [feat. Vegard Sverre "Ihsahn" Tveitan]
05. Mb. Indifferentia
06. Waste Of Air
07. Mediocrity Wins
08. Cryptogenic Desires
09. Acquired Taste
10. Painful Detour
Guest review by
R'Vannith January 14, 2012
As I'm sure you've already figured out, originality is the key to success within this genre and that is something which marks Leprous out from their progressive metal compatriots. A clearly identifiable sound that leaves the listener instantly aware of the band's sense of self conviction. With a pristine production the album is free to clearly unleash an astonishing array of intricate complexities which unfold before you which are impossible to comprehend given a single listen.
This is an album that demands your attention and will not let you go until it's thoroughly had its way with your mind. From the jarring keyboard, rapid drums and near screaming vocals of "Waste of Air" to the display of guitar wizardry on the album epic "Forced Entry" or the laid back and melancholic "Mb. Indifferentia" this album rarely fails to amaze. To top it all off there is a guest appearance by Ihsahn on what is certainly an album highlight "Thorn". Aptly titled it sticks right under your skin and is tantalising to say the least, the band even having the audacity to make use of trumpets to add to the unpredictability of it all.
The sheer wealth of ideas present on this album shows a band in top form, the ability to create and successfully convey these ideas is no easy task and is something really noteworthy about Leprous. What's more their ideas are very much their own, with little resemblances in the music betraying their inspirations. The occasional impressions of Pain Of Salvation, Tool, Porcupine Tree, Opeth and Dream Theater become apparent but each only fleetingly and never overstaying their welcome. Take the best features of these bands, mix and stir thoroughly and you have an interesting concoction. Quite a potent one at that which requires very talented musicians to pull it off, and Leprous is never too shy to add large portions of their own secret ingredients to the mix.
Rating breakdown
| Performance: | 9 |
| Songwriting: | 9 |
| Originality: | 10 |
| Production: | 10 |
Written by R'Vannith | January 14, 2012
Guest review disclaimer:
This is a guest review, which means it does not necessarily represent the point of view of the MS Staff.
This is a guest review, which means it does not necessarily represent the point of view of the MS Staff.
Comments
Comments:
6
Visited by
143 users
|
Posts: 194  |
Posts: 194
One of my personal discoveries of 2011! Saw them live with Amorphis and it was a blast! Can't wait to see them once again!
Loading...
|
 Posts: 1342 |
Posts: 1342
I absolutely love this album. It's so diverse, weird and beautiful all at the same time. The last two tracks transcend perfection. Fantastic review by the way.
Loading...
|
 Posts: 3099 |
Posts: 3099 Written by Dream Taster on 21.01.2012 at 20:36 Thanks! 'Acquired Taste' is a personal favourite, alongside 'Thorn'. Can't wait to see what the band has in store for the future.
Loading...
|
 Posts: 9126 |
Posts: 9126
Good review for a good album indeed! I must say, Waste Of Air is easily my fav out of the album. And it was awesome live.
---- My Author's Blog (in French)  "You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you" "I've lost too many years now I'm stealing back my soul I am awake"
Loading...
|
| Posts: 3099 |
Posts: 3099 Written by Darkside Momo on 22.01.2012 at 00:58 Cheers, in an album full of standout tracks I think that one is perhaps the more distinct, either that or 'Cryptogenic Desires'.
Loading...
|
| Posts: 9126 |
Posts: 9126 Written by R'Vannith on 22.01.2012 at 01:12 Yeah it stands a bit apart from the rest... Maybe that why I liked it the most (oh, the fact that it's the most br00tal surely helped too  )
---- My Author's Blog (in French) "You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you" "I've lost too many years now I'm stealing back my soul I am awake"
Loading...
|
Hits total: 6792 | This month: 1