Search - Textures :: Silhouettes

Genre bending blender

eternal now | mankato | 04/23/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Textures is one of those bands that has the uncanny ability of blending multiple styles to create a hybrid sound that is all their own. Sure, when listening to their latest offering 'Silhouettes' one can certainly pick out their influences or possibly even bands that the members of Textures are obsessed with (i.e Meshuggah, Strapping Young Lad, some Mike Patton etc), but no matter where they take their inspiration from one thing is sure, Textures are an amazing band that have proven three times now that they can write solid material.



Honestly, its really hard to classify 'Silhouettes', which is a rich tapestry of a variety of genres blended into one cohesive sound. One could try to classify it as Math Metal, since most of the compositions incorporate odd time signatures (not unlike Meshuggah and Gojira), but at the same time there are moments of serene vocals, atmospheric breakdowns, pop metal passages, prog rock sentiments, and even Pantera-like moments. 'Silhouettes' is both a rocker and a thinking man's album, in that there are enough metal moments to satisfy the hardest of headbanging mosh-pit loving fools, but also enough deep and intricate moments to satisfy the music geek as well.



Across the board, the music is stunning. Thunderous, epic and complex drum patterns lay the foundation while guitars chug along (in most cases in a very Meshuggah-like way) in complex riffage. Tracks like 'Old Days Born Anew' and 'The Sun's Architect' reek of complex guitar



Behind it all likes some great atmospherics reminiscent of Strapping Young Lad) that rise to the surface from time to time to provide breaks in the heaviness. I would preferred it if the bass guitar was featured more prominently, as in most songs its really hard to hear.



The vocals are probably the main thing that irritate me. While I truly love the clean vocals (which can emulate Mike Patton and Devin Townsend in a single song), the screams are a little too Pantera/Slipknot for me, though they are growing on me. One thing is for sure, the vocalist has range. His clean vocals are absolutely amazing; this boy can croon with the best of them, and every clean sung moment is a treasure.



As much as I do compare bands, I really hate to do it since most bands try to be original, but its undeniably clear that Textures LOVE Meshuggah. The guitar and drum compositions prove this more than anything. I almost picture Textures as a softer, more cohesive and less boring Meshuggah, with more variety, atmosphere and the occasional clean sung vocals, but make no mistake, Textures certainly hold their own and are fully capable of crafting epic tunes that bear their own signature, as well as some nods to some of Metals most influential bands.



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