THE EYE OF EVERY STORM

Not sure how much of a limb I might be going out on here, but I have practically every album these godfathers of post-metal have put out short of Enemy of the Sun and Word As Law and yet this one is the work that never fails to slay me, much more than the others. I guess the closest comparable would be the thunderous, brooding A Sun That Never Sets (and its awesome accompanying DVD).

But for Eye of Every Storm, the feeling is much more intense and spriritual. True to their 'tribal' inclinations Neurosis have created a work that feels like the elements are smashing against you while you stand alone bearing the power of the storm. Yet, this is no enraged, frenzied powersludge fest. This album is beautifully restrained, smouldering, and holds a lot back but when the floodgates open you are indeed overwhelmed by its tidal surge!!! Its probably also their most developed and melodic work. Yes, Steve Von Till and Scott Kelly's vokills are an acquired taste but I say they are in fact essential to the mood and feel, their world-weary, bedraggled tones give a raw earthern vibe. Lyrically this is way deep and actually very upifting in a painful way, no emo whining from these men amongst men!!!! Steve Albini's engineering and production work is stellar, its deceptively raw but allows the music space and time to breathe.

So I can state unequivocally that this is my fav Neirosis album and a seriously top-notch porgressive metal classic.