Collapsar - Integers

Collapsar are easily one of my favorite instrumental metal bands that are currently active. So it’s with the utmost joy that I get to talk a bit about their new upcoming album for Escape Artist called Integers. The album will be out on November 20th and for those that were into the bands Self-Titled debut in 2005, well all I can say is that Integers will be a no brainer to pick up. It’s simply spectacular.

For those not familiar with Collapsar, the band was formed in 2002 in Lafayette, Louisiana by ex-Icepick Revival members Brett Judice (drums) and Stephen Sheppert (guitar). The band hooked up with Dave Graeff to fill another guitar slot and recorded their first album which also saw a release through Escape Artist. After a tour in support of the album Graeff departed from the band and his spot was filled by guitarist Adam Harris and recording began on their soon to be released second album Integers.

Two of my favorite bands to ever pull off the whole instru-metal math rock thing were Breadwinner and Bozart. It may well be time to start including Collapsar in that small list. It’s basically as if either of those bands fell face first into a gigantic pile of prog-rock records and emerged from it a whole new tech metal monstrosity simply known as Collapsar. With their new album Integers, they waste no time in kick starting the shred-fest on the nine minute album opener “Axiomatic Fragment”, which basically sets the tone for the rest of what is to come on Integers. One main thing I really enjoy about the album and really Collapsar’s music in general is that on top of all guitar wizardry taking place, they create songs that still manage to sound full and with plenty of texture. No, this isn’t your ordinary guitar and drums set up. It’s my kind of metal, no cheese, no lyrics, no solo wankery to be found…just sixty minutes chock full of riffs and technical guitar playing that even after that amount time will leave you wanting more. If that’s the case, go out and get the bands debut as well if it’s not already in your CD collection.

Collapsar – Drilling Holes Through Space [MP3]

Be sure to pick up Integers when it officially comes out on November 20th. However, for anyone that don’t think they can wait that long it looks as if you can hit up the band on their MySpace and they’ll sell the album early. They’ll also have it on tour with them, so if you manage to catch them live…buy it. Otherwise, keep checking Escape Artist as it will be available there come the end of November. I’m out for the weekend, everyone have a good one!