Gorod - A Perfect Absolution

Before entering the imposing walls of “A Perfect Absolution” the new album from French metalers Gorod, grab a canister of oxygen because by the time its staggering destructive power and heady exhaustive creativity has departed all that will be left of you is a shattered rag doll like body gasping for air. The album is toxic and invigorating, crippling and energising; A Perfect Absolution is simply genius.

Formed in 1997 though not until 2005 did they adopt the Gorod name, the quintet has seized attention and acclaim especially with previous release "Transcendence". With “A Perfect Absolution” the band has moved into a new sphere that very few will match let alone exceed.
Their death metal / technical progressive blend with lively touches of jazz rippling throughout has evolved into a sound that eats away at the soul whilst taking it on to a higher plain. It hurts, it delights, and it twists and torments the senses whilst taking them to soar the skies.

The stunning artwork of the album begins the impressive deep joy of “A Perfect Absolution”. Then as the dramatic and impending feel of the opening moments to “Birds Of Sulphur” play with the ear the feeling that something momentous is approaching pounces. The song erupts into an intense bestial assault splintered with melodies that slice straight through the flesh. The guitars of Mathieu Pascal and Nicolas Alberny seize the senses taunting and manipulating them whilst the brutal drumming of Samuel Santiago pounds relentlessly and insistently. Add the distinct malevolence of Benoit Claus’ bass and the gruff intrusive challenging vocals of Julien Deyres and you have skill, creativity and music of the deepest and highest order.

The album is relentless in its violation and majestic inventiveness. Tracks strike hard and welcomingly like the infernal “Sailing Into The Earth” which batters until submission whilst searing the ear with blistering melodies that mesmerise and numb. Diversity also reigns on the album with songs like “Elements And Spirit” with its stylish progressive grace and “Varangian Paradise” a captivating jazz veined siren that slips from aggression to sonic beauty seamlessly, distinctly varied from the full-blooded violent weight of “The Axe Of God” or the emotive and muscular “5000 At The Funeral”.

With technical ability, unique imagination and ferocity to the fore Gorod have in “A Perfect Absolution” brought a new breath and intensity into metal whilst claiming more willing victims. (9.5/10)

Pete RingMaster

Band info: www.facebook.com/GorodOfficial

Label info: www.listenable.net