NEUROSIS „The Eye of Every Storm”

Website: http://www.neurosis.com
Genre: Sludge/Doom

I’ve actually been waiting for Neurosis to slip up. Surely after seventeen years of releasing high quality material, the creative juices just have to dry up sometime. But like the very best wine, Neurosis just keeps on getting better with age. Neurosis is simply a stand-alone band – It doesn’t take a genius to realize that we’re talking about a very rare breed in the heavy music scene. Since 1985, with each and every album they have thrown at us, Neurosis has always been able to surprise. ‘The Eye of Every Storm’ is no different – it’s exactly what you expect from them, but as with everything they have done, there are always those subtle progressive changes that keep this band fresh. Quite simply, Neurosis is one of the very best heavy music acts in existence.

If you are a fan of Neurosis, you will have experienced and witnessed the bands metamorphosis from the oppressive Hardcore merchants they were in the early days to the dark, melancholic masters they are now. Like every record they have done, ‘TEOES’ is the result of the one before it. 2001’s ‘A Sun That Never Sets’ was the point in Neurosis’ career where a ‘vocal’ appreciation was developed. Hence, you will find this aspect to be the most noticeable progression made on ‘TEOES’. Other than the opening track ‘Burn’ where Steve Von Till and Scott Kelly pursue a more aggressive rasp, everything else is rather restrained and calming. The effect is rather dramatic, in the fact that one, this album becomes ‘vocally driven’ and two, that the colossal merging of their quiet passages with the heavy sections is accentuated even further. Furthermore, the vocal changes have allowed the bands dark, yet subtle melody lines to shine through – as a result, and quite unbelievably, Neurosis sound more confident in their musical direction than ever before.

There is no doubt that Neurosis strives for something different with every release. But it’s always subtle and never completely ignorant of their roots. In this regard, fans of the band can approach ‘TEOES’ with the confidence in knowing that this sounds very much like what you would expect. Just like every album before this, the ability of Neurosis to build a song with such hypnotic dexterity is on show – The deep melancholic moods, the tribal drum patterns, the drone-like ambient sections, the stunning movement between passages of serene quiet to powerful riff laden heavy climaxes are all here. Structurally, one could deride Neurosis for sticking to what are fairly common musical threads – songs that are built around the ebb and flow between peaks and valleys; the quiet and the heavy. Each and every track follow the same pattern. Thing is, as much as you know what’s coming, you can’t ignore it’s magical beauty. Neurosis have that uncanny ability to draw the listener in with a slow lulling atmosphere, and just when you think it done and over…BANG! – Cascading riffs and drums pound you into submission. Check out ‘the simply astounding ‘Bridges’ for proof – It’s irresistible.

One of the greatest aspects about Neurosis has always been their production values. TEOES is no different in this regard. Using Steve Albini (who has presided over the last three discs), the band has once again come up with a terrific sounding album. Albini has been able to capture that very ‘open’ and ‘sparse’ like atmosphere that is now a major part of what Neurosis do. The ambient soundscapes blend brilliantly with the quiet melancholic moments, whilst the drumming of Jason Roeder is once again given high emphasis in the mix (although, it doesn’t sound as ‘BIG’ as the ‘Times of Grace’ album) – Overall, a simply perfect production.

‘The Eye Of Every Storm’ is nothing short of colossal – One of the darkest and the most expressive pieces of work that Neurosis has ever unleashed. It goes without saying that it is an album that requires patience. Typically vast and lengthy compositions await you. Each bathed in that essential Neurosis magnetism. Without question, ‘The Eye..’ is one of the high water mark albums of 2004.

note: 9/10

Tracklist

01. Burn
02. No River To Take Me Home
03. The Eye Of Every Storm
04. Left To Wander
05. Shelter
06. A Season In The Sky
07. Bridges
08. I Can See You