LEPROUS — Bilateral (review)

LEPROUS — Bilateral album cover Album · 2011 · Progressive Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
Stephen
My first experience with LEPROUS is through this album and I was quite shocked at how innovative this Norwegian band can be. There are a lot, and I mean a lot, of varied elements and influences incorporated here, from the classic 70s style of KING CRIMSON, to the harsh death metal hooks of OPETH, from the alternative/prog touch of MUSE, and to the atmospheric part of PORCUPINE TREE, they're all there, mixed with their original style.

'Bilateral' is melodic and they smartly burst the chorus with fast-paced tempo. 'Forced Entry' is the longest tune, colorful and rich in textures, somehow melodic and with complex tempo, however it's not really difficult to digest. 'Thorn' is a challenge track for me. It has jazzy feel with doom element in the middle, the semi-growl vocal can be mixed with trumpets, and they blow it with aggressive rhythm, what a crazy acrobatic tune!

'Mb.Indifferentia' is a peaceful tune, I can sense the 70s psychedelic influence in it, I like it, but not really with 'Waste of Air'. This is extreme song but felt extremely flat to me. 'Medicority Wins' is a mediocre track and 'Cryptogenic Desires' is okay but not great. 'Painful Detour', the second longest track, pretty good but I still think 'Forced Entry' being the better one.

Kudos to their risky approach with ‘Bilateral’. Like I said, this is complex but highly accessible, but you still need to concentrate to really enjoy this one. I understand why some love it, while other hates it. This isn't for everyone, but as a casual prog fan, I think it deserved at least a respectable 75%
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