CD review INTRONAUT ‘Fluid Existential Inversion’

Under the bright and warm Californian sun a band started a musical adventure back in 2003 that leads them to six longplayers to date with music that is as great as demanding. Intronaut is the name of this band that brings well-crafted Progressive Metal to the table, music that’s fueled by many styles. Their newest achievement is entitled ‘Fluid Existential Inversions’, a longplayer that features eight songs and an intro.

‘Fluid Existential Inversions’ is a complex album. The L.A.-based band aims for breaking musical pattern and they succeed. Their sixth album is a fusion of many influences, tied together in progressive songs that take a while to blossom.

The musical journey into partly unknown territory starts with ‘Procurement of the Victuals’, a short intro with a Post-Metal expression. ‘Cubensis’ is the first full track on the album, kicked-off with a grooving bassline provided by Joe Lester. The song stands as a layered start in to the album. Complex heaviness meets calm sensitivity, a nicely done contrast. ‘The Cull’ is next on the batting order. A powerful beginning with down-tuned guitars is the first thing you face before the song jumps again between various genres.

Even Grunge finds a revival on ‘Fluid Existential Inversions’. ‘Contrapasso’ reminds of the Seattle-sound of the ‘90s, especially when it comes to vocals lines that remind of Alice In Chains. But as with other songs, it’s almost impossible to describe Intronaut’s musics in a good way since there is so much happening along the way. Although I give it a try, ‘Fluid Existential Inversions’ isn’t an album that should be described in words. You need to listen to these songs, more than once, to get into the sound of Intronaut’s newest delivery.

Lyrics are approached in the same way as the music is done. As with the sound there is some depth in lyric too. ‘Pangloss’, as an example, is based on a Voltaire novel entitled ‘Candide’ while ‘Tripolar’ builds on a nightmare Timnik had. The song is about the relationship between time and fear. There is an aim for making most of the time given to someone while on the other hand there is a constant fear of not using time in the best way, literally running out of time. One thing is for sure in this context. Intronaut used their time for working on the album in a great fashion.

Intronaut doesn’t choose a paved route with their newest offer. The album is a complex one that fascinates by all the musicals shades and twists it brings to the table. To moment you think that you identified a certain structure or pattern of a song, thing take another turn, bringing you to a different musical place than expected. In a time of a fast-paced daily life dominating, it’s longplayers like this that forces you pause and focus. This album can’t be explored in a few minutes. It demands a time-investment and rewards with great music.