Djent / Groove Metal
RIYL: Meshuggah / Periphery
So what does a band do when they’ve starting following formulas of those that revolutionize the very fabric of metal? They kick ass. That’s what. Michigan’s own Icarus have produced to blisteringly dark, jagged jewels of metal. These two tracks are titans of heft, replete with polymetric contortions, mind-melting solos, and meaty guitar tones. Simply put, they’re doing whatever they want.
Now, while genre stalwarts tend to have a broad target to hit with “their” sound, Icarus is different. The group doesn’t seem to shoot of heady conceptual pieces, or anything too thrashy. Instead there is a groove to these songs, and a sense of dark energy with their heavy-as-hell chugs. While they are following a set formula, Azathoth doesn’t feel forced.
These songs feel like a new breed of djent, in that they are aggressive and varied in both tempo and structure. The muddy, sub-crushing explosion of the title track has a sludge-feel, with a pocket groove that Haake & Lövgren would be proud of. Despite the EP not having vocals, it might serve as a good thing. There isn’t anything to detract from the stellar musicianship contained therein.
For a band that literally seems to do the work of a five-man rhythm section, Taylor Aguirre is the single driving force. That’s right. One dude makes all these tunes. I was floored when I read that, as I’m sure you are too. That said, this record is a monolith of heavy that is welcome around here. I dare say, the world needs more music like this.
Overall, the only criticism that can be carried regarding the EP is that it’s too short – and perhaps that is on purpose. Here’s hoping that Icarus brings us some more tunes, because there’s not enough heavy out there in the ether.
