by Andy Ciardella (@fkathiccs)
Boris’ latest effort in their ever prolific catalogue stands out as one of their best. NO mostly features thrashing and exhilarating hardcore, all soaked with their signature heavy, fuzzed-out guitars, but it’s not just fast-paced face melters on this album. There’s an assortment of other sounds on here. For example, the opening track “Genesis” feels like a sludgy instrumental warm up, complete with roaring guitars and drums that feel like they’re about to fall through the ground. There’s also “Zerlako” which takes a similarly slow-paced but equally scorching approach, and the album closer “Interlude” which is the most mellow and ambient recording here.
Even in the more high octane tunes there’s different approaches taken to the sound and production. “Perforation Line” is backed by cloudy and dreamy guitars which culminate into a shoegazer’s wet dream by the end of the song. Along with double-tracked drums, it creates for a truly mesmerizing gem in the middle of the record. Some of the best tracks here are the ones that feel slightly unpredictable. For example, between the shouty chorus of “Fundamental Error” we hear shreddy and technically impressive guitar solos, backed by walls of scheechy feedback. On “Loveless,” we open with a driving, grunge intro, which breaks into an invigorating mosh about a minute-and-a-half in. This all closes with a stunning breakdown that feels like swimming in a pool of fuzz-pedal molasses.
What makes this record even more special is the progression of the tracks. The order saves some of the best tracks for the second half, but somehow doesn’t make this album feel backloaded. Although having an interlude cut at the end seems like a strange move, the fact that it’s the biggest stylistic outlier leaves the listener on an unfinished note. It’s as though this record may have not seen an end yet. When it comes to Boris, we never know. For now, this record can satisfy the needs of Boris fans, or all fans of hardcore and metal, who are blood thirsty for engaging and exciting music.