Thurisaz - Circadian Rhythm (2007)

As wont as I am to deny it, even I need the occasional respite from the breakneck blitzkrieg of today's black and death metal on occasion. The otherworldly atmospheres created by bands like Summoning, Alcest and Drudkh cater to the needs of the aural escapist at least as effectively as the eschatonic battery of any number of extreme metal groups do, and though the Belgian Thurisaz's 2007 release Circadian Rhythm is little like any of the above in terms of form, fans of the aforementioned bands' ethereal sonic atmospheres will find a lot to love.

Circadian Rhythm opens with a discordant piano chord to jar you from your mundane state of mind, a brief pause to let you wonder what's going on, and then soothing, progressive layers of guitarwork and synths to draw you into their dreamworld. The second track, Falling, kicks the album into full gear with rhythmic mid-paced blastbeats, chugging guitars, progressive rhythms and vocals that contain not only death growls and blackened snarls, but also clean vocals and even moments of spoken word, with multiple types of singing often layered on top of one another. The song builds up and shifts constantly, but the songwriting and airy production keep the listener hypnotized rather than thrashing about.

The rest of the album more or less follows suit, keeping a consistent tone in spite of the album's constant twists and frequent little surprises, like the sample in Point of No Return and the acoustic guitar overlaid with static in the curiously un-busy Fading Dreams that lends the tune a strong scent of nostalgia, like a favorite song on a dusty old record player.

As the album and song titles all but state outright, Circadian Rhythm is all about dreams and being swept away in them, and the record is perfect just-before-bed listening. Though it can get boring after a few consecutive spins, at least after you've listened to it as many times as this reviewer has, this is a great record, full of creative songwriting and perfect for any fan of atmospheric metal.

Never will I take part in this carnival of lunatics
Never will I recognise men's fate
Only one though that conquers the mind
The ultimate ride out of this misanthropy

Verdict: Win [8/10]