If you remember a little while ago one of the first reviews I ever did for Metal Pulse was The Contortionist’s “Apparition” and I spoke highly of it, so I had high expectations for this full length. I was definitely not let down at all.

Exoplanet is released on Good Fight Music and was produced by none other than Ken Susi of Unearth. The production of the album is fantastic. Clear and defined but still with a raw sound which is perfect for a band like this.  Heavy, progressive, and, technical are all fitting words to describe the impressive and mildly groovy Exoplanet. I was definitely on the money when I said this band will progress the semi stale sub-genre of deathcore. Now the one downfall of this record is that some songs are recycled from Appariton. Here’s how it goes:

Flourish=  Eyes: Closed
Expire= Infection
Advent= Realms
Oscillator= well, Oscillator

So you may see this as widely negative as I first did to have recycled songs from the previous release BUT I was wrong because now here’s the kicker folks, they are still new songs. There have been changes to these songs in every vocal/lyrical way and although some are slight, there are various spices added musically. Also hearing these songs with the productions of Ken Susi is a treat too. As for all the brand new tracks, it shows a very matured, progressive sound while still keeping some heaviness and technicality.

Songs such as “Contact” show some clean vocal backup the growling. “Vessel” starts off soft and calm and gradually picks up technical momentum and comes down again.  And if I’m correct the acoustic Instrumental track Axiom at first sounds almost like the hidden track from Apparition just with a different flavor which I really enjoyed. The epic trilogy Exoplanet I, II and, III serve as the epic closer and is definitely the highlight of the album. Exoplanet I: Ergess, starts with the setting of a spacey mood while moving into an almost indie rock sound with clean vocals that kind of caught me off guard but in a good way. The track manages to link up well with the second part of the Exoplanet trilogy, Void which is very heavy and brutal. And as for Exoplanet III: Light…

Nope I’m not giving away the ending. Go pick up a copy and listen for yourself. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Or I’ll eat my hat.

• Origin: USA
• Link: http://www.myspace.com/thecontortionistband
• Year: 2010