The Faceless - Planetary Duality

The Faceless - Planetary Duality

An experience unfamiliar and unique has a tendency to either alienate or enchant the subject. A first impression of The Faceless may speak of an ordinary technical metal band, but as you venture further into the music you discover depth to uncover. Untypical composition choices weave a garment that intricately expresses technicality, brutality and musicality at the same time.
And it mirrors the lyrical themes of mystical beings, connected with historical events such as the arrival of the messiah in the form of an extra-terrestrial. A battle for control of earth, and the deception of beings trapped in a state of unknowing, not able to transcend the third dimension.
It's not a clear narrative but that strengthens the mystical aura which permeates this album, with everything from the colorful and abstract cover, to the use of eerie soundscapes.

There's not a single weak track on the entire album. Each song is brimming with hard-hitting skin-tight drums coupled together with colorful guitar-work. When the songs are brutal, they express it whole-heartily with razor-sharp conviction. Yet, when mellow softness surfaces it's in the form mixed flavours. Clean vocals a surprising piano melody and organs to make for a pleasant change of pace from the furious riffing. A delicate use of odd timings, breakdowns and tempo-changes offers a frantic roller-coaster, keeping your ears attention firmly occupied.
The Faceless strong impression is made up of a combination between technical flare and a explicit ability to balance ruthlessness with intricacy, and making grand theatrical landscapes with the arrangements. In one instant tunes are reminiscent of classical music, and at the next turn it rushes headlong into jazzy territory. It's a sort of balanced chaos that at times juggles 4/4, 3/4 and 7/4 measures in the same theme.

The mystical introduction to the double title-track of the album, is used to great effect. It's a recording from a radio show where a caller has a very urgent message. He claims to be an ex-employee of the area 51 and speaks of a conspiracy where extra-dimensional beings have taken over the military. Supposedly the radio-session was abruptly hindered by a strange power-outage. Regardless of it’s validity it sets a suggestive and atmospheric backdrop. The album finale blends all the greatest aspects of the faceless and is a really impactful and emotional ending stretch.

The greatness of this release does not lie in it's individual parts, but when viewed as a whole. This makes it by far my most cherished album by the Faceless so far. It’s consistent quality and vivid imagery gives a long-lasting impression that remains interesting even after several listens.