Neurosis - Given To The Rising (2007) 9/10

Neurosis is one of my all time favorite bands. I've had the rare opportunity to have seen them twice and they certainly didnt dissappoint. Their past few records although still good, were dissappointing. Times of Grace to me is where Neurosis really hit their peak. The eye of every storm was a very solid release, much better then A Sun That Never Sets, but I never really listened to either of those records too much.

Given To Rising is a much more angry and powerful record. Its much less somber and more, well ass kicking, if that term can be handed to neurosis. This is a much more aggressive album more on par with Through Silver in Blood or some of their earlier work. Gone are most of the clean sung vocals, replaced by their trade mark screams. The bassists vocal presence is greatly missed though. Maybe next record?

The record flows very nicely with no "bad" tracks. The strength in this record is remarkable considering their last truly great record came out almost 10 years ago! I'm not ripping on their last couple of releases because even when neurosis is bad they're still better then all their immitators. It's been a while since i was so excited by a record. Thank you neurosis for contunually striving to hit new highs and to raise the bar once again out of reach for anyone else.

overall 9/10