If there was a claim arguing that The Dillinger Escape Plan are the most important band in heavy music in the last twenty years, it could hardly be considered unreasonable. Fans of the New Jersey math rock/metal five piece have seen the band go from strength to strength with every album in a unique style known only to themselves. It is of no surprise then, that music fans across the globe were shocked at the announcement that the new record Dissociation would be the final resting point for the band, though ultimately for the highly respectable preservation of the band’s own career. That, of course, brings us to the finale of one of the most explosive and enthralling bands to have torn apart stages worldwide.
Limerent Death acts simultaneously as the first single released from the album, and also the album opener. It’s been a long time since The Dillinger Escape Plan have released anything pulsating with poison, yet the opener ticks the box, spitting out aggression in a manner that would surprise even the most familiar of fans. Symptoms of Terminal Illness plays an entirely different side of the coin, acting as a more ‘typical’ song, though highly suspended in this almost endangering aura of atmosphere. Initial thoughts direct towards confusion upon the veins of the album flow from having the two singles act as openers, yet they settle well enough over time.
Dissociation could be described as a solid introductory stance to The Dillinger Escape Plan, something that the rest of the album cements furthermore with the re-introduction of their more electronic sounds found in Fugue, to the full out jazz section lingering within Low Feels Blvd. The suggestion that the band’s entire career has been packed into an eleven track album would not go amiss. Whilst the opening two singles are very much of the instant classic vibe, the rest of the album follows a lengthier path but one of a similar quality. It may take a few more attempts and listens at the first play-through, but rest assured the album is the journey of the non-stop, top class showmanship we would expect from The Dillinger Escape Plan.
The closing two tracks dramatically change the mood from sprawling chaotic denial to a slowly sinking sense of sadness. Nothing to Forget plays out the building expected layout, then drops it amidst uneasy waters through highly specific instrumentation and lyrics. The sense of sorrow reaches its pinnacle within the album closer and title track, Dissociation, leaving us doubting the existence of a more perfect song to the end of both an album and a monumental career.
The Dillinger Escape Plan have not only added another hard hitting release to their repertoire, but have closed off in style. The sombre pulse does not dampen the spirit of the record but instead looks back upon a band with an entirely inspiring back catalogue. It is with high regard that the band send themselves off, a fact for which we can only say one thing to; thank you The Dillinger Escape Plan.
9/10
Standout Tracks: Limerent Death, Symptoms of Terminal Illness, Dissociation
For Fans Of: Every Time I Die, Ion Dissonance, Mr Bungle.
Written by: Andrew Macdonald
