Tardive Dyskinesia
Harmonic Confusion
(Playfalse Records)
Despite its relative commercial success, djent has been sort of the ugly duckling in the prog world. While a whole host of respectable bands (TesseracT, Textures) are able skirt the ire of “true” prog lovers, most in the prog take a rather regressive view of any band who will claim Meshuggah as an influence. Their loss, as there are a number of bands doing really interesting things, despite/because of their love of low tuned/high-gain guitars. Greek group Tardive Dyskinesia have slowly risen up the tech/djent ranks with their fairly unique take on modern progressive metal. Their sound takes root among the giants: Textures (in the grooves), The Ocean (in the atmosphere and progginess), and Mastodon/Intronaut in the harmonic melodies.
However, on this, their fourth record, Tardive Dyskinesia really come into their own. The grooves are still here in spades, but the Intronaut and The Ocean influences really shine throughout Harmonic Confusion. Unlike many djent bands who are more technical than progressive, Tardive Dyskinesia really relish their prog roots, layering grooves upon grooves in the rhythm section and guitar-work, and utilize nice, bright melodies throughout to give these songs a nice character. The vocal work feels nicely indebted to Intronaut and Mastodon, with the right balance of muddy harsh vocals to swampy harmonies. The band’s uses of groove is impressive not because of its speed but because it’s surprisingly memorable and melodic in its own way. Much like the best work of Textures, the rhythms are both simple yet subtly complex. The triple guitars are always busy and very effective throughout.
Ultimately, TD’s fourth record is a real winner and highlights a neat shift in modern prog metal. They aren’t the first to think that adding djent to The Ocean-style prog was a good idea, but they certainly do it extremely well. Aside from some issues related to over-saturation (55 minutes is too long, and the second half is not as strong as the first), The other minor issue is the band often chooses restraint over exhibition, which mostly showcases their songcraft; however, a few more all-out moments would’ve helped. Regardless, Harmonic Condition is a real modern prog gem and signals that Tardive Dyskinesia are a band to watch now.
Purchase Harmonic Confusion here.
