### Mirrors Of Obsidian: Imminent chaos complete

#### 05/05/11 || Habakuk

“Imminent chaos complete” – does that make sense at all? Well, together with that cover art we at least it gives us a certain preconception of we’re in for, something sci-fi influenced, Meshuggah-like maybe? A look at the song titles reinforces that first preconception, and an actual listen to the album indeed does give some Meshuggah vibe as well. There are attempts to recreate their typical “odd”-timed e-string chugging, and the guitars including the crystalline solo sound are pretty well-referenced, but guess what – after all, nothing is really breaking any new ground the way “Destroy erase improve” might have.

Just for your perspective, said album is one I own and respect but don’t exactly worship. Too heady, too mechanical, I guess. Influential enough however to provide newcomers like Mirrors of Obsidian with a tried and tested formula, who then just need to add catchier parts and some clean vocals on top of the shouting to make this style “their own”. Or not. Well. Actually, even Cynic’s “Focus” vocals make a short appearance. Apparently, some people enjoyed those?

I, for one, certainly didn’t. I can’t say I’d put this album on one level with “Focus”’ vocals though, but it’s not exactly up there with the best of them either. It’s well-produced, tight and probably focused (HA!!) as well, but you know, it just rushes past you if you don’t …focus! – and miraculously, my mind even wanders off when I’m trying to listen to it attentively, although my head seems to nod rhythmically on occasion.

I have sort of started to embrace my musical ADHD, but hey – just recently I stood through an Ahab concert and enjoyed it. So no, no excuses here. So, although Mirrors of Obsidian don’t do much wrong for their chosen path, mine it is not and shall not be. All ye religious followers of Meshuggah however, close your math books and try this out. It’s free and the probability of you liking it lies at exactly 74,2 %. P-value 1,0.

Me, I’m out of this with a …

- Information
- Released: 2010
- Label: Independent
- Website: www.mirrorsofobsidian.com
- Band
- Ciaran Ennis: half of the stuff
- Eoin Ennis: other half

- Tracklist
- 01. Slaves To Numbers
- 02. Celestial Fusion
- 03. Exist By Program
- 04. Codes Of Silence
- 05. In Dissonance We Breathe
- 06. Hive Mind
- 07. Deceptive Technology
- 08. Imminent Chaos Complete