Lucid Interval

I'll start out by saying I own or have owned most of Cephalic Carnage's albums at some point in time, largly because for a long time I hated the band, but wanted to get into them so badly that I downloaded "Exploiting Dysfunction" and hated it, then downloaded "Xenosapian", and hated it, then I downloaded "Lucid Interval", and something clicked.

Regardless, I was obsessed. I loved them so much that I bought "Anomalies" shortly after and loved every minute of it as well. I think it may have been the band's vast abilities. In example, "Pseudo" mixes grindcore and modern overly technical death metal, while the title track takes a more Death-style of Tech death, with more emphasis on melody. Also, "Black Metal Sabbath" is notable, for it's use of Black metal and Stoner/sludge metal.

There is a large use of "epic" tracks on the album, with those tracks being "Anthro-Emisis", "Pseudo", "Black Metal Sabbath", "Lucid Interval", and "Arsonist Savior". Unfortunatly, these are arguably the only songs worth listening to, as many of the other songs are uninteresting and sound as though the band wanted to make sure everyone remembered they were a grindcore band. They contain everything the other songs contain and more.

I would be rating this much higher if the band hadn't released two shit storms before this, and it's really sad that it took them 2 full length albums before they finally made a good cd. Oh, well...

Anyway, all in all, it's a good purchase. It's forgettable in moments, but any true grindcore fan should be used to that, and also it contains many flaws, but what album doesn't **cough*Colors*cough**? It's not essential in any way, but that doesn't keep it from being fun!

Those who think Cephalic Carnage are just another 1000 mph, 100% of the time grind band need to shut up and listen to them. From the opening doomy moments "Scolopendra Cingulata," with it's subterranean, heart-jarring bass drops, one should realize this album will be unpredictable.

While there ARE many grindy songs, each track manages to have it's own identify, which is a feat in itself. However, not only are they identifiable, they are also GOOD! For example, "Anthro Emesis" mixes nearly equal parts of grind madness with headbanging grooves, keeping the song fresh and fun to listen to. The lyrics on that particular song are rather interesting, to say the least.

Another standout track is "Black Metal Sabbath." It begins with a spoken word intro (I'm not sure where from, exactly) before exploding into some kvlt black metal. After about two minutes of blackness, there is a short transition period before the song begins to lurch forward again with a massive Sabbath (who would have guessed?) groove. Definitely one of the coolest--and most cleverly titled--metal songs I've heard in a long time.

"Cannabism" is a short flamenco type instrumental, which segues into the awesome title track. I won't try to describe it, because I don't know what to say other than it has a few moments Swedish death flavored riffing, and some cool tempo changes. Just download it at mp3.com.

I love bands that save the best song for last, and that happens to be the case on Lucid Interval. "Arsonist Savior" is incredible. The "real" song is 5 minutes long, filled with groove, many pinch harmonics, and of course those massive bass drops. After about 7 minutes of silence, the 'hidden' track begins. This is one of the few times where I can remember a hidden track that is actually worth waiting for and listening to. It is an instrumental piece, featuring a violin, saxophone, drums, bass, electronics, and some occasional clean guitar. The song is absolutely beautiful. The drummer deserves a ton of credit for this 9 minute jam, listen to this song just to hear his work.

After listening to this album, and knowing CC are releasing a 3 part doom epic, I think it becomes obvious that Cephalic Carnage are an extremely diverse and talented band, head and shoulders above most metal bands. The low vocals might turn some people off, but it is their loss. You must hear this band.