9 Illuminance See Details for Illuminance

I think that Virvum's death growls and occasional clean vocals on this album are performed with great finesse and strong production, but this album could easily stand just as high without them. So much is said between the lines with the ridiculously fast bass play and endless guitar sweeps. This is made clear right from the beginning with the largely instrumental intro, "The Cypher Supreme." But like I said, it's not just about the sheer speed and number of notes: it's about how every single one of those notes seems to be painstakingly chosen to convey ideas and draw the listener in. Whether it's a sudden break of mathy chugging or a full-on spiritual experience via effects-laden shredding, you are going to feel something. I'm on the cusp of using the word "psychodelic" at times, as dropping acid to this album wouldn't be all that unlike doing the same to a Hendrix record. Similar imagery...different approach.