Momentum-Fixation, At Rest

I was introduced to Momentum when I got the chance to catch them live a little more than two weeks ago opening up for Napalm Death. Now while this may not be the kind of band you would expect to see opening for grindcore legends like Napalm, they certainly are worth listening too. This is the kind of modern take on progressive metal that the world needs if we seek for the genre to move forward. After the implosion of djent, Momentum seem to be like the kind of band who will rise from the ashes and put out something special, something that combines a variety of styles in a way that has never been done before.

The appeal of their most recent record (And by recent, I mean it came out in 2010) Fixation, At Rest, lies in the fact that it features a strange and unique fusion of styles that I don't think has ever been done before. Asides from the fact that the group uses a myriad of vocal techniques they also often make use of backing vocals to create layered soundscapes. On top of that, there is a sort of unique and powerful rhythmic madness going on here that is hard to wholly get a grip on at times, and I like it. These guys are clearly accomplished songwriters, and the amount of effort that went into epics like the eponymous closing track is palpable. Fixation, At Rest is a unique effort that goes beyond the triumphs and tribulations of its predecessors.

So what does this mean for you, the listener? Well simply that this release is possibly one of the most diverse of the decade. Momentum tackle everything, from ambient, to death metal. There are so many twisted up and seemingly disparate ideas here that you would think that it would fall apart right away. But alas, it does not, Momentum have injected the diverse styles of Fixation, At Rest with something that is wholly representative of them, a common thread which captures the heart from beginning to end. Close your eyes and turn it up, this album will take you to a new world.

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