PAIN NECESSARY TO KNOW

This is a masterpiece for me, although maybe not for many others. The songs are completely obtuse and angular, seeming to mash up a combination of Henry Cow, King Crimson and jazz guitarist Ben Monder's work, yet somehow is still Metal. This is definitely not catching in any sort of conventional sense, but repeated listening will allow the material to sink its spectral claws into your gray matter. For a long time now, Metal has found away to break the chains of its self-imposed conventions. While most bands are still reliant on crushing guitars, screaming vocals and pounding drums, groups like Ephel Duath, Ulver and others prove sometimes it's more a matter of intensity than the standard cliches. I love Metal in all it's forms, but this album is definitely one of my all time favorites.