User Profile
N. Geffen
Lover of all music, with a slight preference towards rock and metal.
Reviews
22
Lists
7
Collection
40
N. Geffen's Album Reviews
WARNING: Long review ahead.
Let's just jump right in. The album opens with "Born for One Thing", probably my favorite of the singles that were released. It has that same fire and power that we've come to know from Gojira. Plus, the breakdown.
Next, we have "Amazonia". Yeah, this one rocks hard, and not just in the traditional sense. There is the obvious message of what is happening in the Amazon that is truly heartbreaking. I am very thankful that such a great song will bring further awareness to the madness.
"Another world" has grown on me a lot over time. It took a few listens, but when it clicked, I was very into it. Especially the bridge where Joe does those clean vocals.
I was very surprised when I heard "Hold On". Many reviews said it was one of the more melodic songs on the album when it's pretty aggressive. It was very enjoyable though. It's a very good track and has a fire chorus.
"New Found" is an instant highlight for me. Easily the most dynamic song. Plenty heavy, plenty melodic. A perfect balance with a great chorus. No more needs to be said.
Not much to say about "Fortitude". It's a good instrumental and serves its purpose as the bridge to "The Chant ". This song was made to sound like a classic heavy metal track and it works beautifully. Gojira further demonstrates their versatility and willingness to experiment. Another highlight for me.
"Sphinx" is another one that subverted my expectations. Remember Hold On? Well, it's like that but the opposite. Don't get me wrong, it's plenty heavy. But it has melodic parts as well. Still, a crushing song.
Alright, now comes the part where I have to explain why I'm forced to remove half a star... The sound mixing. There are multiple instances where the sound of the record feels muffled and unclear. None of this is more apparent in "Into the Storm", my least favorite track on the album. Remember when I was praising the choruses on the other songs here? That makes me even more perplexed as to why they couldn't figure out a more creative chorus for this song when I know they can do better. I'm sorry, but it sounds, for a lack of a better word, generic. And don't get me started on the lyrics. The only saving grace for this track is Mario. His skills and precision are undeniable.
Moving on, we've got "The Trails", Another pleasant surprise. I bet this one is going to be one of, if not, the most underrated song on the record. Joe sings beautifully, and it's as mellow as a Gojira song can get.
Now, the ending. "Grind".
Every member of the band is at the top of their game. Mario being Mario. Jean with that tasty bass tone. Christian with the bombastic guitar playing. And Joe's vocals sounding their most sinister and evil on the album. This is definitely one of my favorites and will be playing it on repeat.
Favorite Tracks: "Born for One Thing", "Amazonia", " New Found", "The Chant ", "The Trails", "Grind".
Least Favorite Tracks: "Into the Storm".
9/10
Let's just jump right in. The album opens with "Born for One Thing", probably my favorite of the singles that were released. It has that same fire and power that we've come to know from Gojira. Plus, the breakdown.
Next, we have "Amazonia". Yeah, this one rocks hard, and not just in the traditional sense. There is the obvious message of what is happening in the Amazon that is truly heartbreaking. I am very thankful that such a great song will bring further awareness to the madness.
"Another world" has grown on me a lot over time. It took a few listens, but when it clicked, I was very into it. Especially the bridge where Joe does those clean vocals.
I was very surprised when I heard "Hold On". Many reviews said it was one of the more melodic songs on the album when it's pretty aggressive. It was very enjoyable though. It's a very good track and has a fire chorus.
"New Found" is an instant highlight for me. Easily the most dynamic song. Plenty heavy, plenty melodic. A perfect balance with a great chorus. No more needs to be said.
Not much to say about "Fortitude". It's a good instrumental and serves its purpose as the bridge to "The Chant ". This song was made to sound like a classic heavy metal track and it works beautifully. Gojira further demonstrates their versatility and willingness to experiment. Another highlight for me.
"Sphinx" is another one that subverted my expectations. Remember Hold On? Well, it's like that but the opposite. Don't get me wrong, it's plenty heavy. But it has melodic parts as well. Still, a crushing song.
Alright, now comes the part where I have to explain why I'm forced to remove half a star... The sound mixing. There are multiple instances where the sound of the record feels muffled and unclear. None of this is more apparent in "Into the Storm", my least favorite track on the album. Remember when I was praising the choruses on the other songs here? That makes me even more perplexed as to why they couldn't figure out a more creative chorus for this song when I know they can do better. I'm sorry, but it sounds, for a lack of a better word, generic. And don't get me started on the lyrics. The only saving grace for this track is Mario. His skills and precision are undeniable.
Moving on, we've got "The Trails", Another pleasant surprise. I bet this one is going to be one of, if not, the most underrated song on the record. Joe sings beautifully, and it's as mellow as a Gojira song can get.
Now, the ending. "Grind".
Every member of the band is at the top of their game. Mario being Mario. Jean with that tasty bass tone. Christian with the bombastic guitar playing. And Joe's vocals sounding their most sinister and evil on the album. This is definitely one of my favorites and will be playing it on repeat.
Favorite Tracks: "Born for One Thing", "Amazonia", " New Found", "The Chant ", "The Trails", "Grind".
Least Favorite Tracks: "Into the Storm".
9/10
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