DEADWING

Heavier, more direct, and in general less dense than their previous album, we none the less are treated to a unfailing line-up of songs with big, monstrous metal riffing and delicate textures throughout.

While genuinely outstanding in all respects, I will say that most of "Deadwing's" songs take longer to appreciate than the immediately gratifying "In Absentia", in large due to the unapologetic increase of adrenaline of the first two songs, which may turn off some fans right away.

Sticking with it though, we discover some beautiful balladry on "Lazarus" and "Mellotron Scratch", sinister sounds with the delightfully evil sounding "Halo", and of course the band's opus "Arriving Somewhere", which is real musical journey with a powerful melody and crescendos; easily one of the band's best songs. The album closes with three songs that might dip under the radar when compared to the opening tunes, but should not be overlooked.

The guest artists, while adding an interesting addition to the band's sound, substitute too much of Wilson's own guitar work, which is typically more interesting than Belew's frantic shredding anyway. Additionally, all of the songs (with the exception of "Arriving") do not use dynamics as well as in previous albums, and can generally be classified as "loud songs", or "quite songs"-- not something in between.

As a whole, amazing and finely crafted, but lacking the grace and emotion of "In Absentia". Still very very highly recommended.

Songwriting: 4 Instrumental Performances: 4 Lyrics/Vocals: 3 Style/Emotion/Replay: 4