Review Summary: There is nothing to figure out. Everything is the way it was meant to be.
I've never understood why dissonant death metal appealed to me. Honestly, I find it to be the most difficult and intimidating genre to review. I just can't find the words that would adequately convey the qualities I most admire. There is a sense of harmony that I can pick up on, but I can't say that I identify with it on a cerebral level.
It is almost as if the music bypasses my central nervous system and shoots straight to my gut. There is a strong emotional spring that wells up inside of me, and despite it being an emotion that isn't entirely foreign, it isn't familiar either. The response to this music is instinctual, esoteric, primal. It is the word on the tip of your tongue that never comes to fruition--but instead of getting frustrated, you become receptive. I'm perfectly content with never fully understanding my appeal to this genre, in fact, I would prefer to keep it that way. The chase has always been more satisfying than the catch.
Exhaust isn't a "traditional" dissonant death metal record, as if the word "traditional" could ever be inserted into a discussion of the genre. The only viable comparisons or illustrations I can make is where imperial triumphant anchors their sound in the free jazz movement, Pyrrhon is channeling the ferocity of punk rock and noise. However, even that description seems to be reductionist.
Exhaust is a far more accessible effort by the band, and perhaps the best introductory album to listeners that wouldn't exactly be keen to foray into the weird and chaotic depths that is dissonant death metal. Exhaust almost gives you the ability to understand what you are hearing, but it stops just short of a full reveal. While this may be frustrating to new listeners who are primarily engaged in traditional death or thrash metal bands, this is precisely the formula that keeps you captivated. You cant explicitly identify which portion of the song is triggering your enjoyment, you just instinctually know that this is for you and that is a beautiful feeling.
This record is a journey that you will never tire of. Consequently, the title is a cute little coincidence that most likely was never intended. There is a power here that is obscure and foreign. Repeat listens will show you something new and the value in that speaks for itself. In short, I hope I never figure out how the magician splits the woman in the box in two. There is no preparing for this, no pre-requisites, just buckle up and enjoy the ride.
