Today is the Day

Incorporating the usual array of styles, Today is the Day have made a smooth label change and release a fairly coherent noise offering which is sure to make you think once more about your state of being. Examining human depravity seems to be the key here, and amid the tortured screams of "Reverend" Steve Austin we are subjected to samples of quasi real life stories of intense sexuality and fear. The music here is farily technical and interesting, yet ironically, the one piece that holds it all together is also what may be the least likeable aspect to me, the vocals. These tortured screams are the basis of the album, which, if these are your preference, will chill you to the bone. Yet, for me, it's a little too much. As I said though, musically, the band is spot on, and the intensity of the songs moves me, especially the title track, which is pure genius. I'm not sure where humor comes into this (if at all) for Pinnacle has to be an allegory for some deeper meaning (one would hope). For what it seeks to accomplish, building a wall of emotional force through musical channels, this album does work, and for those into the "noise metal" realm, this will not disappoint. The album is also worth hearing through for the end track, which is a reprise of what I consider the strongest track, followed by a more than adequate rendition of Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. This is also probably the most "metal" track on the album, for like labelmates Neurosis, Today is the Day aren't what I would consider "metal", but rather what alternative used to stand for, before it was tainted by popularity. Worth checking out...
7 1/2 out of 10