Artist: The Dillinger Escape Plan
Title: One Of Us Is The Killer
Genre: Math Rock / Metal
Release Date: 17 May 2013
Label: Party Smasher / BMG
Album Review
American band THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN describe their sound rather exhaustingly as Mathcore / Metal / Hardcore / Progressive / Experimental / Rock / Avant-garde. This may sound troubling, but they have pedigree and a proven track record since the late 90’s. A fierce live reputation and inclusion in Kerrang Magazine’s top 100 metal albums of all-time ( for ‘Calculating Infinity’) paves the way for album number five, ‘One Of Us Is The Killer’. ‘Prancer’ wastes no time in bullying its way into the ears, staccato stabs of guitar and pained screaming perfectly encapsulating the heavier side of the band. It’s like three songs squashed energetically into one, and illustrates why they are seen as pioneers of Math Rock / Core. ‘When I Lost My Bet’ and ‘Hero Of The Soviet Union’ continue the furious assault, busy and fussy but controlled so they rarely sound indulgent.
The title track unveils their soft and surprisingly tender side, hushed falsetto and harmonies giving way to a DEFTONES-sounding chorus. It’s a highpoint, for sure. ‘Nothing’s Funny’ does some impressive Prog-Rock manoeuvring while slightly aping SOUNDGARDEN, but ‘Understanding Decay’ is one step in the technical direction too far. And instrumental ‘CH 375 268 277 ARS’ is unwanted really, as is the over-tricky ‘Magic That I Held You Prisoner’. Things get back on track with ‘Crossburner’, in turns sinister and sneaky, and immensely powerful, like an even angrier CULT OF LUNA. And album closer ‘The Threat Posed By Nuclear Weapons’ is relentless as it shrieks and shreds its way along, slowing mid-song briefly, before continuing the onslaught. Job done, there’s no messing about here.
This is a good, but not brilliant album, somewhat wearing on the senses after just too many angles and time-changes, but accomplished and varied and imaginative enough to keep it afloat.
Tracklist
01. Prancer
02. When I Lost My Bet
03. One Of Us Is The Killer
04. Hero Of The Soviet Union
05. Nothing’s Funny
06. Understanding Decay
07. Paranoia Shields
08. CH 375 268 277 ARS
09. Magic That I Held You Prisoner
10. Crossburner
11. The Threat Posed By Nuclear Weapons
Line-up
Greg Puciato – Vocals
Ben Weinmann – Guitars
Liam Wilson – Bass
Billy Rymer – Drums, Percussion
Website
https://www.facebook.com/dillingerescapeplan/info
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 7
Sound: 7
Total: 7 / 10
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