Review: Uneven Structure- Februus (2011)

Band: Uneven Structure

Release: Februus

Genre: Progressive Metal/Ambient/Mathcore

Label: Basick Records

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/unevenstructure

Tracklist:

1. Awaken

2. Frost

3. Hail

4. Exmersion

5. Buds

6. Awe

7. Quittance

8. Limbo

9. Plenitude

10. Finale

Review: 10/10

Going up on my list as not only one of the best albums of the year, but as one of the best I’ve ever heard, Uneven Structure have unleashed the demon that is Februus. Although this review is long overdue, I wasn’t going to let it slide past me. With a perfect blend of progressive metal, mathcore, atmospheric elements, and the energy that is on par with the almighty Meshuggah, Februus will take the music world by storm.

Beginning with a soft, atmospheric intro in “Awaken” that steadily gets heavier and heavier, you can really feel the energy that set to come, then it slaps you across the face with uncompromising brutality that is partly lead by palm muting guitars and partly led by the bass. You can easily be overwhelmed (in a very good way) by the barrage of complex guitar arrangements, snare shots that blast outward whenever they’re hit, and the one-two punch of energy demanding screaming and the harmonic, male-siren-if-sirens-were-males singing really left me in awe at this band. AND IT’S ONLY THE FIRST SONG!

Menacing and heavy guitar hits start off the next song “Frost.” The atmospheric elements of the band are shown more in this song, with sultry, inviting singing that is wholly unique and awesome. The overall atmospheric element is held throughout the entire song, even when it gets heavy. This is one of those songs that can put anyone out of a bad mood and really make a person feel positive.

Chaos descends in “Hail.” Precise guitar slams and crazy drumming keep your attention on edge by coming off slightly Dillinger-esque, allowing your mind to wander off as it pleases as the music envelops you. So many bands attempt to cross metal and ambient, but few can actually pull it off for six minutes at a time and actually have it captivate someone as much as this band accomplishes.

This band truly has technical poly-rhythms down to a fine art. I will say that this band should NOT, I repeat NOT, be pigeon holed as a fucking djent band. I love bands that people consider djent, but that word is thrown around way too much and the value is diminished. Getting high while listening to this also gives a whole new perspective on the album. This album is best described as a roller coaster, with the ups of meat tenderizing brutality, the lows being the ambience soundscape, all brought together with awesome middle ground that covers the bases well.

This is a must have album for any metal head’s collection. To experience this among all other types of metal should be placed on your bucket list.