Intronaut: Valley of Smoke (Century Media, 10/12/10)
Intronaut: “Elegy”
[audio:https://alarm-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Intronaut_Elegy.mp3|titles=Intronaut: “Elegy”]
Intronaut has made its name in forward-thinking metal circles by understanding that pure metal moments hit harder by sandwiching them between other styles — in this case, passages that are closer to fusion or jazz. Rather than a guitar spotlight, the group reaches for a fretless bass solo; in lieu of a unison run, Intronaut deploys a spacey, percussive breakdown.
This non-linear school of songwriting isn’t for the unadventurous, but there are plenty of overlapping, Meshuggah-style grooves for listeners to latch onto. And ultimately, Intronaut’s willingness to think differently gives rise to a highly unique, thoroughly compelling album.