### Intronaut: Valley of smoke

#### 18/05/11 || The Duff

Although the last two Isis records weren’t tremendous, so to speak, the band is dearly missed, so when I read words like “trying to steal Isis’ throne”, I instantly take notice. It would seem with their new album that Intronaut, through improved promotion and up-to-date webisodes of the the recording sessions, are out to create a reputation after two records of prog-rock/post-rock/jazz-rock metal that went largely unnoticed. The band comprises members from Jesu, Mouth of the Architect, Anubis Rising and one former member from Phobia, Exhumed and Impaled. So, a lot of big names, then, as if not promotion enough; it would seem not so, and instead of lying back and taking it like Daemo does after a burrito and half a bottle of corona, the band decided to rattle some cages.

Following the recording sessions of “Valley of Smoke”, Intronaut guitarist Sacha Dunable said “This record rules so much that I’m literally embarrassed to have been a part of everything we’ve done up until now. Not to sound pretentious, but this is absolutely the best music ever made.” Obviously the guy has a sense of humour, but it would be wise to have a contingency plan before the retardo-parakeets start spitting in “Goddamn, what a pretentious cunt! The best music? What? Better than PINK FLOYD?! Don’t think so!” and such, specifically to write the best music ever made!

Okay, now that we’re all on the same page, slapping each other on the back and trying not to choke on the amount of oxygen being expelled through riotous blowjobs, I’m quite unsure as to how these guys are stealing the Isis throne. Their ambition lies in complex rhythms, jazz-musicianship and lush cleans that are busy more than anything else and a lot less trance-inspiring – not much like Isis at all despite the obvious influence of ebbs-and-flows, heavy mixed with the serene; the recipe is much the same as with this album’s predecessor, “Prehistoricisms”, except said album had more of a live feel in that the layering was basic, you felt it could very easily be reproduced on stage; “Valley of Smoke” is thick, multi-layered and all-around beautifully produced.

The musicianship, being very jazz-focused, is of high-calibre, special mention going to a much recognised guest-appearance from bassist Justin Chancellor of Tool fame on the title track, and the band’s drummer Danny Walker who is spell-binding, complete, one to use every rhythm to the fullest even during his most pedestrian phases. Also of positive mention is bassist Joe Lester, who takes very much after Tool and Isis in being central to locking everything down, not shying away from a very forward place in the mix.

There are a couple of sludge riffs and occasional catchy tempos but the bulk of the music comes in swerving, dreamy cleans where the distortion kicks in for variety but doesn’t change the pace of the music much leaving rhythms just as head-spinning – not tech death head-spinning, but the guys like dabbling in the unusual, the unsettling, just shy of being at the expense of uplifting riffs that crash in with the desired amount of head-banging heavy. Also, this music is all extremely positive, so if you hate good vibes (as I generally do), then this might be your “Notting Hill” amidst a variety of snuff films and David Lynch movies.

Evidently the band is trying for something new, although I feel the production being as full-bodied as it is, the music leaves a touch to be desired. A band has yet to come around for me that can match the scope of an act like Isis, yet Intronaut are a different kettle of fish in many regards and the qualities both bands do share are excelled at with Intronaut, I just wish they’d strike more to the core riff-wise; like I said, it’s for the times the sun is shining outside and when it’s simply not enough to blast out the Disgorges or Darkthrones – musically, the breadth of “Valley of Smoke” is enchanting, professional and just metal enough, for these reasons alone it made album of the year for me despite being quite far and away what I usually listen to.

- Information
- Released: 2010
- Label: Century Media
- Website: Intronaut MySpace
- Band
- Sacha Dunable: guitars, vocals
- Dave Timnick: guitars, vocals
- Joe Lester: bass
- Danny Walker: drums

- Tracklist
- 01. Elegy
- 02. Above
- 03. Miasma
- 04. Sunderance
- 05. Core Relations
- 06. Below
- 07. Valley of Smoke
- 08. Past Tense