The Flashcards: Neurosis - Souls at Zero (1992)

Genre: atmospheric sludge metal, post-metal

Neurosis's third album marks a major shift in their sound, later recognized as the starting point of post-metal. The structures are no longer conventional, focusing instead on long, instrumental-driven emotional character in the vein of post-rock, with influences from post-hardcore and sludge metal—particularly in the guitar and vocal departments. Other elements like experimental and jazz are also incorporated, such as piano on the title track and trumpet on "Sterile Vision," offering an aesthetic that was clearly fresh for its time.

Yeah, Neurosis are indeed pioneers worthy of respect, though personally, I haven't found full satisfaction with this album yet.

Tracklist:

1. To Crawl Under One's Skin

2. Souls At Zero

3. Zero

4. Flight

5. The Web

6. Sterile Vision

7. A Chronology For Survival

8. Stripped

9. Takeahnase

10. Empty

OVERALL: 75/100

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