Canvas Solaris – Cortical Tectonics
Laser's Edge Group – 2007
By Adam McAuley
Canvas Solaris play progressive and very technical metal, falling into the same category as
Cynic (minus the robotic vocals),
Gordian Knot, and their like. Morphing sonic landscapes are created via proficient instrumental tracks, and - unlike other albums of the style - there is more than enough variety present to keep you gripped throughout. Much like
Cynic, the bass takes a very strong role, giving the music its impact, while the cohesion of instruments is on a similar level, but with a slightly more disjointed feel.
This is a style that deserves some popularity, although not as many teachnical death albums come out as other death genres. When done properly, as it is here, the music is very powerful. It can be viewed as both something to relax to, and something to appreciate on a more profound musical level. As such, this has wider appeal than may be expected considering an exterior some could consider overly technical. If compared to
Cynic for example, the song
'Textures' would be a good comparison point, with
'Interface' as a parallel in technicality. The amount of variety to be found on the album is also much like that of
Focus, though
Cortical Tectonics is completely instrumental.
Perhaps a slightly longer running time would have bolstered the number of captivating moments on the album, as would vocals, but as it stands we have a magnificent performance.
Cortical Tectonics is a great album for people looking for technical death metal of a very high calibre.
Official Canvas Solaris Website
Official Laser's Edge Group Website
