When a band as revered and influential as Isis abdicates their throne, the resulting creative vacuum inevitably ensures that someone will rise amongst the ranks to take their place. Sure Neurosis have long since served as the kings of a sound they helped to pioneer over the past few decades; but it was the more prolific Isis who continued to push the boundaries and broaden the market share.
The thing is, while Intronaut are truly worthy heirs, their accelerated climb to the top seems more a selfless endeavor than a blatant power grab. “Valley Of Smoke” certainly finds the band moving in a more Isis-styled direction of meaty bellows and lingering melodies.
Yet it doesn’t come off as being explicitly calculated to do so. Rather much like the arc of Isis‘ output, it finds the band evolving from antagonistic prog-laden noise into a dynamic technically proficient powerhouse.
It’s undoubtedly a powerful transformation to behold as the group so willfully drape beauty and primal intensity overtop of cavernous songwriting and jarring progressions. Stirring and evocative, the organic undertones and raw talent ensure a primal connection, despite the rampant displays of technical ability and jam-like tendencies.
That’s not to say “Valley Of Smoke” is an all out departure though. The groups secret weapon still remains the heightened presence of bassist Joe Lester with his elastic fretless wizardry and favoring of subtle chords.
There’s also much of the underlying jazz influence and the core corrosive aspects of the bands sound still intact. But where outfits like Baroness have made rather pronounced and somewhat disappointing leaps into more commercial territory as of late; Intronaut have gotten there without forcing any steps.
In some instances it’s a bold direction, but it feels intrinsic enough that few will second guess it. And if that wasn’t enough, the cameo from Tool bassist Justin Chancellor on the albums title track serves as an impressive reference that will only solidify this bands ascent.
A beefy prog-metal excursion built on jazz discipline and clouded ethereal melodies, “Valley Of Smoke” all but guarantees Neurosis won’t be lonely at the top for long.
