Boris - Boris At Last : Feedbacker

Boris: Feedbacker (full album)

Runs for: 43:48

I understand that maybe you won't have enough time to check out the whole thing in one sitting, so i recommend checking out parts two and three on youtube. If my maths is correct, which it undoubtedly ISN'T - skipping forward to  24:32 or 30:24 on this should take you there.

I’ve been spinning this non-stop since I got my hands on it, only taking breaks to kick myself for missing Boris when they came to Sydney last year. Effectively a 43 minute song separated into 5 tracks, Japanese Doom-Drone-Stoner-Prog Metal band Boris’ Feedbacker is a solid mix of many of those elements to create a incredible, loud and diverse power-ballad riddled with atmospheric, sometimes bluesy riff work, rhythmic drums and climatic song structure.

Part 1 is the slow, drawn out introduction. Staying true to the drone genre, the guitars opt to make more of a humming noise for atmospheric effect rather than using a standard melody. it succeeds with this effect and prepares the listener for the rest of the song (or album, depending on how you want to look at it).
Part 2 is the build-up to the rock part of the album. Starting off slow, the instruments progressively get busier and busier until howling guitars and dark, heavy riffs create climactic moments spun between calm vocals that progress to a rock music yell.
Part 3 would be the hard rock/metal track on the album. The drums are thunderous and the harmony between the booming guitars and shouted vocals create an atmospheric hard rock feel, effectively creating the true climax of the song/album.
Part 4 is where the drone/ambience kicks in after the fury of the previous track, effectively winding down the listener for the quieter finish. Plenty of fuzz, screeching guitars and noise to pick up on.
Part 5 is the finale. A short track, it rolls back with the familiar, calm riff from part 2 with some crossover ambient guitar screeching trailing over from the previous track, effectively closing the 5 part song that is Feedbacker.

All and all it’s a very solid track(s) for anyone who appreciates progressive music. The vocals are conventional enough for rock listeners to enjoy, while the combination of both blues rock riffs with the careful song structure of progressive metal draws in anyone who likes music that radiates passion. The drone and ambient parts stay true to the genre and make for a well placed bridge to the end of the song too without fiercely alienating the listener or breaking the feel of the song. Hopefully you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.