Search - Textures :: Polars

An excellent debut....can't wait to hear more!

I. Martz | Carlisle, PA USA | 12/29/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Textures is a highly progressive math metal band from the Netherlands that has managed to craft an impressive debut here. The easiest way to describe is to compare them to Meshuggah's "Destroy, Erase, Improve," album, but the level of originality here sets them apart from others. The opening track "Swandive" is a good initiation to the band, although it does not properly show the scope of this band. It is only when you reach the next couple of tracks that new elements are revealed, such as the the various synth interludes and even the use of a soprano saxaphone in "Transgression". The songs are crushingly heavy, much as many of Meshuggah's are, and the atmospheric synth and mellow sections are quite impressive. The title track is a 18-minute epic that goes through all of these different facets, and is a absolutely stunning achievement. My only complaint is the addition of the 14-minute instrumental "Heave" at the end...it is certainly beautiful but a bit too long and acts as filler. Overall...fans of progressive metal, math metal, and metal in general will find this captivating....a great start for this young band!"