Planetary Duality

First and foremost, let me say that this album didn’t receive a perfect score because of it’s length. It is way too short. I felt the same way about Akeldama, this band’s brilliant previous release. I was really hoping that Planetary Duality was the hour or so long opus I know they have in them.

That being said, this is about as good of an album that you can purchase, past or present. The mix of sheer brutality, technical virtuosity, creative lyrics, and spot on artwork is near perfect. Expectations were high, based on the power and passion of Akeldama, and they have not disappointed, save the aforementioned issue of length.

The cover art sets the tone for the album perfectly, as does the shattered planet look of the disc itself. A science fiction feel is appropriate, although further analysis reveals much about the content of the lyrics. They aren’t actually fiction, depending on how you view the world today. Fans of David Icke and researchers of truth regarding the way the world REALLY is will instantly recognize the songs as observations on the current state of society and how we got to this point. Conspiracy veterans will also love the classic clip from Art Bell’s radio call in show. Not surprising in this age of mass media, the lyrical content will go grossly under appreciated and misunderstood. However, even if misunderstood, the metaphors stand on their own as creative and thought provoking, unlike most lyrics in this genre.

As for the music, it is difficult to fully grasp upon first listen. This is common within the genre, as the many layers are best revealed through familiarity. It is well schooled in extreme progressive music theory, but doesn’t feel plagiarized at any point. Drawing from the past, they have created a sound and tone that is hard to match in terms of precision and creativity. Guitarist and producer Michael Keene “Machine” has officially cemented his reputation as one of the premier young minds in the music industry. The solos on the album are nothing short of spectacular. His production pulls it all together and gives wonderful cohesion to all parts.

Steve Jones’ expert riffage is complemented by Brandon Giffin’s amazing use of the bass guitar. He plays an awe-inspiring mixture of harmonies and his own mini-solos, taking the breath of anyone keeping up with it. It is hard with the guitars jamming and drums blasting to always keep up with the bass lines, but they are there, and they are fantastic.

The LA area band turned to San Antonio native Lyle Cooper to handle the drumming full-time (FINALLY) and he nails his debut with The Faceless. His style is typical of so many talented metal drummers, but a well-trained ear will appreciate his varied and tasteful blend of rolls, blasts, and double kicks. He keeps pace with his proven peers as well as manages to mix in his own Texas touch to the material.

Derek “Demon Carcass” Rydquist’s vocals are arguably the best in the business. It’s the tone he bellows that sets him apart from his fellow vocalists. And his ability to roar lyrics at the same speed the instruments are shredding around him. His voice is a spine-tingling experience over and over again. Keene adds some vocoder action and clean vocals in places, but they feel appropriate and add a new angle to the onslaught. And in an age when most clean vocals are frankly weak and contrived, these show the bands progression and maturity. As I mentioned before, the lyrics are a bone chilling commentary on some frightening observations. Few will fully appreciate the accuracy here, but those that do will be delighted to know what they are REALLY talking about.

As I mentioned before, this band has to be seen to be appreciated. They faithfully create the notes heard on their albums with fierce efficiency. Jones’ shredding is accurate and precise, Keene’s solos will melt your face, Giffin’s bass lines have to be seen to believe, and Demon Carcass’s voice is possibly the greatest live roar in the history of metal. Please do yourself a favor and see them play to have a whole new perspective on what it means to create and recreate this music night in and night out.

Overall, Planetary Duality is without a doubt the best album of the year. The Faceless blend intelligence, brutality, technicality, and precision on an album that raises the bar for the current generation of extreme music.