Perfect name for a perfect band! By CyPhEr777

TEXTURES- DRAWING CIRCLES LISTENABLE RECORDS

No name better describes a band than Textures, a six man juggernaught from the Netherlands. Their debut album “Polars” was a stunning intro to the band but, it’s the sophomore release “Drawing Circles” that will gain them instant notoriety. The fact remains that Textures have raised its game substantially with an album that is every bit as heavy as anything I’ve ever heard. These guys play a very interesting blend of Modern Thrash Metal with technical Death Metal, some melody and other elements thrown in along with atmospheric sounds that add to an already accomplished project.

The machine behind Textures is killer and really tight. The drum work, courtesy of Stef Broks, is precise and has a razor sharp crisp sound. The guitar work done by Jochem Jacobs and Bart Hennephof, are also very interesting and throw all kinds of ideas into the mix. Rounding things out is the supreme bass work done by Dennis Aarts and the beautiful soundscapes created by synth-man Richard Rietdijk. Not to single out vocalist Eric Kalsbeek but, it’s his voice that solidifies this group. He ranges from supreme guttural/shrieking sounds to beautiful melodic overtures.

Musically, Textures contain the same intensity and complexity like bands such as Dillinger Escape Plan thrown in a blender with Meshuggah and Rush. They use the above-mentioned elements, and focus on building intense variations in rhythm/time signatures and speed to convey an emotion that is both aggressive and uneasy. Most of the 10 tracks start off chugging like a powerful locomotive slowly gaining momentum until it hits neck breaking speed with melodic parts interjected throughout. I’m not saying that every track is repetitive, just saying all these elements pop up when you least expect it.

You’re captivated right from the first track “Drive”. As you go thru the CD (while hitting the back button a couple of times), you get to my favorite song in “Stream of Consciousness”. Other stunning tracks are “Regenesis”, “Millstone” and “Touching the Absolute”. Since every track has something interesting to offer, you’re pretty much dealing with a classic here. The production perfectly complements the technical-yet-brutal nature of the band’s music.

If Textures can be faulted for anything, it is their reliance on a sound and style that has been tried and tested countless times before but, not perfected until now. Their dark atmosphered, mathematic assault will surely appeal to any extreme music maniac. As I stated earlier, perfect name for the perfect band! I can’t wait to hear what’s next. Please show support by visiting http://www.texturesband.com/ or http://www.myspace.com/textures . Thanks CyPhEr777