Ion Dissonance – Minus the Herd
Abacus Recordings – ABA0047 – June 5, 2007
By Jason Jordan
The good news is that
Ion Dissonance are as aggressive and crippling as ever. The bad news is that
Minus the Herd’s production is too polished, the lyrics are less memorable than those of
Solace, and the record totals a mere 33 minutes. Still, its flaws should be overlooked because
MtH also features the songwriting chops and exceptional musicianship found on earlier
ID records.
Though
Beneath the Massacre,
Despised Icon, and many more technical Canadian bands have offered full-lengths this year, there’s something about
Ion Dissonance that places them above their likeminded countrymen. Rhythmically speaking, songs such as
‘The Surge,’ ‘Scorn Haven,’ and most others really, are top-notch.
ID again adhere to the principles of organized chaos. While certain instrumental choices may come across as ill-fitting or illogical at times, in the grand scheme of things, they work quite well. As their moniker asserts, dissonance is also a key element of their particular sound, which the guitars are quick to relay. Parts of
‘Through Evidence’ are bone-crushingly heavy, as are moments of
‘Kneel’ and
‘Shunned Redeemer.’ In fact, one would be hard-pressed to identify a track on
Minus the Herd – aside from electronic interlude
‘Untitled’ (
BtM anyone?) – that doesn’t go for the jugular at one point or another.
Solace is superior, however, in the sense that its rough edges lent it bite that this record has, but to a noticeably lesser extent. Also, whereas one could join the fray by chanting the lyrics of
‘Play Dead…and I’ll Play Along’ (“I am giving you a choice: Kill yourself or someone you love…” and “Just kill yourself”), the lyrics here aren’t as repetitious and/or are unintelligibly growled. Furthermore, the artwork and concept of
Solace best those of
Minus the Herd, though the latter isn’t lacking in either department.
Above all,
Ion Dissonance have followed a killer record with a killer record. No matter which of their three albums is best – it’s up for debate – each is worth hunting down. According to the schedule they’ve set for themselves, another full-length should hit the shelves in 2009, and like the others, will probably be yet another win for these consistent Canadians.
Official Ion Dissonance Website
Official Abacus Recordings Website
