Clearly to begin to appreciate “Option Paralysis” one must better understand the situations that helped to shape it. For years The Dillinger Escape Plan have fought tooth and nail to earn their stripes and while widely praised by the press, their peers (including Trent Reznor and Mike Patton) and the fans at large, they are routinely outsold by the bands that originally opened for them.

Given these unfortunate events, it isn’t surprising that after years spent on the cusp of breaking out, the group have finally taken matters into their own hands. Leaving behind the confines of their longtime label home Relapse Records to forge ahead on their own, these New Jersey natives launched Party Smasher Inc. – a new venture for all things Dillinger.

In essence this sense of independence, or “doing it live” as band frontman Greg Puciato would likely say, sums up the spirit of “Option Paralysis“. Much of the album possesses a sneering ‘us against the world’ mentality and while the bands antagonistic tendencies have certainly been well documented, “Option Paralysis” feels like the ‘gloves off’ moment. Perhaps more so than on their recent outings, they visit the snarl and relentless pummel of their earlier days.

The majority of the songs featured here contain complex, mind-numbing arrangements that vigorously push the groups instrumental dexterity and songwriting ability to the limit. And yet despite the abundance of aggression they are still able to strike a stylish balance with their ever nascent melodic aspects; making for what may just be their most polished, albeit somewhat domesticated release to date.

Piano and electronic manipulation continue to play their part in helping to expand the bands sound and jazz-oriented freakouts are used to full effect. Oddly though it isn’t the ferocity on this release that stands out the most. Instead it is the moments where they opt for a more accessible nature, such as the triumphant Nine Inch Nails meets Faith No More closing track, “Parasitic Twins“, where their innovation is fully exhibited.

In fact, at this stage of the game there seems to be more passion and expressionism invested in the bands relaxed moments than their now trademarked aural blitzkriegs. That said, while “Option Paralysis” is certainly one of the most developed albums of their career, it falls just short of being their most inspiring. The group have already pushed themselves so far in the past that the wow factor of just what they are capable of seems to be starting to fade.

Of course most of the material is strong and intriguing and the tension of their warring emotional extremes remains ever intoxicating. But it’s not quite the quantum leap that most were likely expecting. Even so, when you’re as talented as this outfit is, refinement instead of reinvention is by no means a bad option to exercise.

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  ( 42 votes, 4.33 stars )
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