Listening to NEUROSIS’ latest output The Eye Of Every Storm the first time is quite surprising if you are expecting something in the vein of the predecessor A Sun That Never Sets. While this stunning masterpiece is shaking the foundation of human desperation The Eye Of Every Storm starts out quite easy-going, well, even serene. But the first impression is deceptive, or NEUROSIS would not be NEUROSIS. Already with the second part of the opener Burn, these mates again dive deep into the abysses of being. Superficially sinking into contemplative tranquillity this time the band builds up its typical atmosphere in a very subtle, even transcendental way and floods the listener with its own chaos of feelings and emotions. In this way the title of this album perfectly reflects the music. Earlier sonic infernos get now contrasted with a resting centre, not controlling the chaos at all, but all these perfectly sophisticated harmonies keep coming back to the centre, like a red thread which is meandering through the piled up soundscapes. The sound is much more minimalist, every riff, melody, harmony, sample is perfectly and consciously staged, so that every detail stands for own and can also develop its impact within the entire structure. This time Steve von Till and Scott Kelly do almost completely without their paralysing screaming in favour of clean singing and sometimes even without any singing. Just listen to the title track The Eye Of Every Storm and Bridges!
Unfortunately I did not get lyrics and the booklet, since NEUROSIS are known for combining their lyrics and visual design with their music to intensify the impression. There would be much more to discover I guess.
If NEUROSIS now have topped themselves, is in the eye/ear of the beholder/listener. The Eye Of Every Storm is without any doubt another masterpiece raising the band to a new level of musical expressiveness. I personally prefer some of the older albums a little more, though ;)