Neurosis
Times of Grace (Relapse)
by Paul Lee
This is an experience of pure emotional and spiritual catharsis. You don’t listen to a Neurosis album for entertainment, you listen to it for the release of passion and pain it elicits. Actually, listen is too passive a word, with Neurosis you are consumed by their primal assault, like a person possessed by a supernatural force. This 70-minute CD is so expansive and complex, it would take pages to really delve its depths. The anticipation surrounding this release has been huge since Neurosis released their last testament to tribal passion and aggression, Through Silver In Blood. There’s been a frenzy over them, and for good reason: this San Franciscan sextet prove yet again that they have no equals.
Times Of Grace is a much broader album, having some delicate, subtle music using cello and viola (played by Kris Force of Amber Asylum), as well as bagpipes, coronet, and tuba. The delicate moments provide a welcome, tranquil contrast to Neurosis’ signature, bone-crushing guitar and drum-riddled tunes. With the notorious Steve Albini at the production helm of Times Of Grace, you know you’re in for a phenomenal, epic journey. Where other modern metal bands like Sepultura and Skinlab are powerful typhoons, Neurosis are a mile-wide twister with 300 m.p.h. winds that can level an entire plane of existence.
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