I used to think that getting your earhole raped by a Chinese silverback would be unpleasant. After my first listen to The Machinations of Dementia I came to the realization that not all technical wankery is bad. Sure, Ron Jarzombek (Watchtower and Spastic Ink) can shred for days, Alex Webster (you know) can play almost as fast as the Bass Ripper (Mike Poggione), and Charlie Zeleny (Behold… The Arctopus) could restructure the universe with his mastery of space and time, but what does it all equate to? I’d say this is the best instrumental metal album I have ever had the distinct pleasure of being abused by. I know Electro Quarterstaff, Pelican, and that’s about it in terms of strictly instrumental metal bands. Leave your comments below about the bands I’m an idiot for not including in the last sentence. Seriously though, holy sweet ones!

What can I say about an album that has more riffs, time signatures, styles, and tempo changes than anything I’ve ever heard? Deep in my heart I know that something this technical should be considered overindulgent bullshit. Well, even though I feel as dizzy as a lion in a pack zebras, I have to give major props to these guys. This crew goes from jazz, to thrash, to prog rock, to blasting brutality, song after song, without inducing the typical tech blur (it’s more like the fuzzy aftereffects of cheap liquor). Song lengths are greatly varied as well. The vibe on this album is cold, calculating, and eerie. There are even parts that sound like something off a Steve Vai album. Luckily, these moments are brief and don’t nauseate. Don’t get me wrong, I have probably only listened to this album straight through once. It’s still approachable for the average listener of metal’s extreme end although it is definitely taxing. Comparing this album to the great fusion band Return to Forever would be fun, but why would I subject y’all to that?

The guitars are varied in style and effect induced tones throughout. Alex does his thing and even plays a walking bassline ala Charles Mingus, and the drums are like wolves herding spastic piglets. Although there are a few overdubbed guitar and keyboard parts throughout, this trio handles most of the songs on their own. The production is phenomenal. You won’t miss a note, even though that may be considered a liability to your brain cells. You’ll find all members assaulting sound like sonicphiles (not a real word) on equal playing fields. The last two songs have a real yin/yang effect that you will have to discover for yourself if you are still conscious enough.

I’m sure if you’re visiting this site you know what most people’s major gripe with death metal and its relatives are, the vocals. I have friends like that and you do too. Give them this album if you care about steering your homies and homettes toward the truth. This album also makes a great stocking stuffer. No, fuck that, get this shit today and bump it on Halloween!

Review bySilky Bravado