Canada's technical death metal powerhouse Gorguts have been consistently surprising their fans now for over 25 years, and it doesn't stop with the release of Pleiades' Dust, a 33-minute, single track EP that sees the Quebec four piece once again going into uncharted waters. Led as always by founding member, guitarist, and vocalist Luc Lemay, Gorguts also now features guitarist Kevin Hufnagel, bassist Colin Marston, and drummer Patrice Hamelin as the current line-up. "Pleiades' Dust" is epic in every sense of the word, filled with plenty of ebbs and flows, Gorguts' penchant for bombastic grooves, off kilter riffing, and loads of atmosphere dripping from every pore of this gargantuan track. The guitar work is layered in such a way that the crushing riffs are always accompanied by lilting arpeggios, with complex, zig-zagging passages occasionally bursting through, while the beefy bass lines and acrobatic drums rumble underneath. There are a few brief moments of dazzling lead work, but as most fans of Gorguts know that was never really their thing, instead it's the intricate interplay between Lemay & Hufnagel that wows the listener, with the full ensemble creating a feel of menace and tight drama. Lemay's growls are fantastic throughout, not overpowering and never overstaying their bounds, but always injecting at the right moments to deliver their savage intent.
Pleiades' Dust is by no means a casual listen; there's a lot to take in here, and it's one of those releases that you will really have to spend some time with, dedicate yourself to for the half-hour plus, and let it all sink in. The controlled power included in these grooves is enormous, but don't expect a frantic speed attack, as the pace is somewhat subdued but by no means timid. As always, the musicianship by the band is stellar, complex yet thudding, crushing yet atmospheric. Well done guys.
Track Listing
1) Pleiades' Dust (32:58)
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