ALBUM REVIEW: Order of the Mind – Irist

Imagine, if you will, if the face-melting technicality of GOJIRA, the grandeurs plains of MASTODON and the suffocating atmosphere found within post-metal was fused together in a melting pot. What would be the result of such a combination? The answer is Order of the Mind, the debut full-length outing from Atlanta, Georgia metallers IRIST.

Across ten tracks that comprise this debut effort, IRIST throw down the gauntlet and make a phenomenal first impression. Eons kicks the album off in high-octane fashion as the rattling riffing from guitarists Adam Mitchell and Pablo Davila are an instant success and Rodrigo Carvalho‘s growls cut through the chaos like a hot knife through butter. It’s an explosive start to the record and gives the first hint into the talent at this band’s disposal.

From there, IRIST just continue to impress as their expansive sonics unfold, leaving you lost for words. Burning Sage boasts some slick sustained riffing and harmonised vocals that would fit right at home on a GOJIRA record, Severed‘s clever use of harmonies (particularly in the guitar department) make the song an absolute earworm and Creation‘s dynamic use of post-metal sensibilities and ferocious drumming from Jason Belisha demonstrates the versatility in which IRIST approach their take on heavy music. It’s staggeringly brilliant.

Even as the album continues to unfold into its second half, IRIST keep springing bouts of excellence at every turn. Dead Prayers kicks the second half of the album into overdrive with the band surging adrenaline up the absolute maximum as a cacophony of whirlwind riffing, soaring vocals and hard-hitting drums combine to create one of the most ferocious songs on the entire record. And upon further reflection, the song’s placement at the crucial halfway point of the record has proven to be a masterstroke, ensuring that a bout of adrenaline is unleashed as they enter the second half. It shows that every decision, every creative avenue, has been meticulously thought out to ensure that Order of the Mind not just meets expectations, but smashes them out of the park.

As the record continues to unfold, IRIST just keep delivering buckets full of quality. Insurrection’s sustained riff assault will keep heads banging aplenty, the title track boasts some wicked up-tempo and carries the aural assault of Insurrection forward wonderfully well whilst Harvester‘s doom-driven mood allows Rodrigo Carvalho‘s hauntingly beautiful clean vocals to take centre-stage and truly shine against the entrancing guitarplay before unfolding into a passage of play that is simply jaw-dropping. Even in its final moments, the one-two punch of The Well and Nerve are glistening with quality, ensuring that Order of the Mind finishes on a triumphant high.

There is so much quality on offer with Order of the Mind, it is astonishing that this is the band’s debut outing. From the incredible musicianship to the variety of audible colours IRIST explore, this is an expansive, rich and exhilarating listen. If this is their opening statement, then God knows just how brilliant they will become years down the line.

Rating: 9/10

Order of the Mind is set for release on March 27th via Nuclear Blast Records.

Like IRIST on Facebook.