CHUNKY SHRAPNEL

3.5 stars. "Chunky Shrapnel" is a phrase in the song "Murder Of The Universe" from the same album. This is actually the audio for their first concert film and so I'm at a disadvantage only hearing and not seeing. I have no doubt the visual becomes the most important thing when your releasing a DVD but obviously they want it to be a great performance as well. I just think if I saw the songs that I'm not that into I would be giving this 4 stars. The music is taken from many concerts but all mostly from 2019.

I'm just not into everything on here especially that 20 minute closer where they splice together the music from four different concerts. So much jamming and audience stuff, things that would be helped if I could see what was going on. But as a 20 minute piece of music I'm just not very into it. There's several others that don't do much for me but lets look at the ones that do excite me because there's so much great music on here. So many highs.

There are several tracks on here that aren't on any of their studio albums including the opener "Evil Star" which is a song that they've opened a ton of concerts with. Incredible sounding piece of powerful atmosphere. Like music for a Star Wars movie when the focus turns to the evil empire. "The River" from "Quarters!" is different from the rest being a lighter, jazzier tune but check out the Santana inspired bit after 3 minutes. The next duo from "Nonagon Infinity" are highlights being "Wah Wah" and "Road Train".

I like that later they do three from "Polywanagondland" all in a row and from the same concert. Actually "Inner Cell" that starts that off is my favourite on this whole album. Reminded of Steven Wilson helping doing a track from "Flying Microtonal Banana" when I hear that one. "Loyalty" and "Horology" follow. "Murder Of The Universe" is another highlight. The narration and atmosphere. So intense and different. A driving piece of music. I'm not big on the "Infest The Rats Nest" stuff I mean "Planet B" sounds like METALLICA but I do like some of the unknown pieces that are like interludes like "Quarantine" and "Anamnesis". "Parking" is awesome with the drum solos.

I hope to at least check out the film one day but this is a keeper regardless that there are better live albums out there by this band.