Album Review: Neurosis - Honor Found In Decay

'Burning down the past and planting seeds in the ashes' is what Neurosis guitarist/vocalist Steve Von Till has sprayed around since this was first dropped. While the band emerged from the crowded Californian hardcore punk scene, they've battled away to become known as the 'thinking punters' punk band': forever intelligent with a philosophical, often dark, narrative, which is prevalent on Honor Found In Decay.

The opener, All Rage In God, is bleak, even for Neurosis, yet it still packs one hell of a sonic punch. At The Well is typical of the band, as Von Till's vocal opens in distinctive style before adding intensity as the track progresses. At the six-minute mark, when the drums vanish and all that remains is a moment of eerie silence and disharmony, Von Till bursts into his characteristic vocal inundation. Casting Of The Ages is a union of the depressive yet exhilarative – a grim tale that sprawls into darkness and could easily send most into joining a Faustian pact. There's a nod to the prog synth introduction that Pink Floyd made so popular on All Is Found… In Time before business resumes as usual and you're left to wonder what the hell just happened as the momentary vacuum is suddenly filled with thunderous drums and voice.

The Americans know how to shake, move and surprise you. But despite their unruly writ and views, it's their colossal riffs, drops and vocal prowess that stand out. Honor Found In Decay is a mastercraft in storytelling. In other hands, this could've easily ended up being a meaningless warble on human failings and suffering. Turning gloom into glee isn't easy, yet that's just what Neurosis have achieved.