The Flashcards: Neurosis - Enemy of the Sun (1994)

Genre: atmospheric/experimental sludge metal, post-metal

Neurosis's experimental expansion shows a more refined and concrete blend. The atmosphere they create even feels closer to gothic metal—or personally, I'd call it symphonic sludge metal—through the organ on "Lost," and the combination of synth, violin, and dark piano on "Raze the Stray." The interlude "Burning Flesh in Year of Pig" contains noise that bleeds into the following tracks. Tribal music brings a new surprise on the 15-minute track "Cleanse," though unfortunately it isn't fused with their sludge style.

I'm starting to applaud this second sludge release from Neurosis, and I'm hoping for a clearer manifestation of symphonic sludge metal. Lol.

Tracklist:

1. Lost

2. Raze the Stray

3. Burning Flesh In Year of Pig

4. Cold Ascending

5. Lexicon

6. Enemy of the Sun

7. The Time of the Beasts

8. Cleanse

9. Takeahnase (Demo Version)

10. Cleanse II (Live in Oberhausen)

OVERALL: 80/100

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