ODDLAND
The Treachery of Senses
[Century Media]
Verdict: 8.5/10
RIYL: PAIN OF SALVATION, TEXTURES, GOJIRA

Let’s get one thing straight now: ODDLAND’s latest album The Treachery of Senses is an odd listen (no pun intended) in that I can’t tell if it’s retro or new-school. The album mines progressive metal’s past and present to carve a unique and modern sound. There are groovy, almost djenty moments a la GOJIRA or MESHUGGAH. The vocals are melodic and slightly doomy, like PAIN OF SALVATION or KATATONIA. Further, there is some DREAM THEATER influence here, but more in the ability to write solid songs, not in the overlong wank-fests that DT is renowned for. In fact, I would not hesitate to say that The Treachery of Senses easily holds a candle to those progressive metal grandfathers. ODDLAND certainly is a talented group, and if the group can stay consistent, they should certainly receive mention as a new flag-waver for the genre. Take a look at the one-two punch of “Past the Gates” and “Still the Spirit Stays”, both of which feature solid melodies, great guitar work and at least one small instrumental break that teases the listener with how competent ODDLAND is. Each track (like the entire album) is oddly new and old. There is a decidedly new-school groove to the guitar work, not quite djenty, but there nonetheless. Yet, the songwriting is old-school all the way, utilizing entire band to build up to fun outbursts and slow back down, just to start back up again. If you are a fan of progressive metal’s past and present, you owe it to yourself to check out The Treachery of Senses. I’m certainly glad I did, and I am ready to short-list this album in my best of 2012 list. It’s that solidly done. – by Nicholas Senior

>> Recommended Listening: “Past the Gates” and “Still the Spirit Stays”
>> Release Date: May 8th, 2012
>> Conclusion: If you are a fan of any progressive metal from the last twenty years, you need to give ODDLAND a listen.