The Pitch: Italy-based progressive, avant-garde metal band Syk unlock the secrets of insanity with their new release from Phil Anselmo's Housecore Records.
What I Like: Well, well. This is another one for the books. I think the "I" in the title stands for "Innovation." I-Optikon is an artsy, unconventional fusion of Meshuggah guitar and drumwork with off-kilter clean vocals from one Dalila Kayros. She bares a similar nihilistic approach to melody as Björk Guðmundsdóttir. Hers is a bit more aggressive, but I can't think of a single more appropriate comparison. Compositions are quite technical, and the results are unlike anything else I have heard.
What I Don't Like: Like much avant-garde art, this isn't the most accessible of releases. I am bought in for the unique vocals, but I'm not sure everyone else will be. The compositions also get quite noisey, so it's not as strong of a balancing act of elements as with Balance Interruption.
The Verdict: I-Optikon is not for the faint of heart, but if you can accept the thrilling vocals for their quirky genius, you'll find yourself swimming in a most excellent sea of technical groove. Get it Friday.
Flight's Fav's: "I-Optikon," "Disintegrate," "The White Sun"
