I haven't written any music reviews since I was part of my student newspaper, but I thought I would give it another go. It gives my the opportunity to stretch out my creative energies by placing words to sounds. There will be a mixture of old and new releases, from a variety of genres, but ultimately I'm trying to convince you its worth a listen.
I was unaware of Gojira until I went to Bloodstock 2010 (last weekend), to which they played an impressive set. However, my focus is on the studio material I have recently come across. Let's throw out these key genre buzzwords if you need them to try and understand what you're getting, how about 'experimental progressive technical death metal.' I think this really stunts the bands integrity, as they have risen in a space of about eight years from unknowns to an internationally recognised band, and given the niche market of metal in general (at least in the UK) this is extremely good. Plus hark back to the old school days of no computers and internet where artists needed to build a reputation from word of mouth, and the odd magazine critic. The current technological environment gives great advantages to obscure but great bands. Potentially giving them the audience they deserve.
Gojira - The Way OF All Flesh
Released in 2008, and their fourth studio album, French metal band Gojira have upped the ante. Opening track 'Oroborus' strikes you quickly like the serpent getting you into the mood, with its catchy riffs weaving in and out. Their influences from bands like Meshuggah and Tool become apparent early on. Their namesake revolving around Godzilla, this bands lyrical content likes to explore environmental issues like 'Toxic Garbage Island' as well as death in its many guises, personally and socially. Their verses alternate between throat-stripping vocals and fast double bass drumming to a kind of groovy guitar momentum, characteristically in tracks such as 'A Sight to Behold'. 'Adoration for None' features Randy Blyth of metalcore contemporaries Lamb Of God and he is perfectly utilised in the song. Make no mistake, this is heavy and dark music. Each track tries something different in terms of technique and song structure but remains thematically a united whole. Short interludes like 'A Silver Cord' expresses a meditative side of this scaly beast.
'The Art Of Dying' is the standout track for me primarily for its tribal jittering intro like bones dangling in the air of some deep African jungle, then exploding into the mammoth-striding rhythm section. Dealing with the obsession with technology and loss of humanity, the song then massacres everything in Tokyo in true death metal etiquette before riffing off triumphantly into the night.
_________________ I tell you: One must still have chaos in one to give birth to a dancing star! - Friedrich Nietzsche
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