Most of Prehistoricisms is significantly more slow-burning than Intronaut's other releases, as well as less immediate in its metallic qualities. If you have heard The Whittler of Fortune off of The Challenger EP, you have a pretty fair idea of the directionally of the band post-Leon del Muerte. He was on of the founding members that left the band back in 2007 to focus on another project of his. The Neurosis-isms are at top form here, even more than on previous releases. I must say, I certainly love the inclusion of post-metal in my faster, heavier leaning bands, but it appears to be happening more an more as of late, in many cases diluting the qualities that made me really enjoy the band's music in the first place.

And then there's Intronaut. Thank god Intronaut has had the good sense to tastefully incorporate; exhuding the same feeling as bands like Neurosis and Isis, but never venturing into the realm of "Wow, this sounds like that one song.". Born a mere 4 years ago, Intronaut has already released 2 EP's and now 2 full lengths with this years Prehistroricisms. There is something quite special about Intronaut, and if you've heard them you already know what I mean. A group of musicians dedicated to no less than the highest quality of output. The rhythms are tight and intricate, each instrument weaving in and out of each-other, almost playfully at times... but in the most savage and smooth way I think I've ever heard a metal band pull off. Joe Lester makes the bass talk, and Danny Walker makes even the most intricate ryhthms fit right in the pocket. Truly, the focal point of this band are the musicians.

The record is extremely heavy on grooves, and is well deserving of it's name considering the barrage of lumbering riffs that are constantly being thrown at you. The track Any Port has a maritime quality to it that hasn't been this well articulated since Isis's record Oceanic was released. The track leaves us with a 2 minute drum jam, in tandem. It seems like a song that will translate very well to a live setting, certainly one of the best tracks on the cd. The end-cap of the record is the 5-part, 16 minute long The Reptilian Brain. We are greeted with a droning sitar, a rubbery eastern bass line and fairly well played tablas. The song unravels and folds back in on itself, allowing 10 minutes to slip by completely unbeknownst to the listener. It's damn near perfectly choreographed.

I believe a reviewer is responsible for one thing, and one thing only. To give the reader legitimate reasons why they should, or shouldn't, go out and spend precious time and hard earned money checking a record out. So I will leave you with this about Prehistoricisms: Intronaut is an extremely talented group of musicians who somehow found themselves playing together. The chemistry they share is one rarely seen in the music scene at large, let alone the extreme music scene. They have all been around the scene for a number of years, honing their skills as songwriters and musicians. Whether this record is heavy or metallic enough compared to their older stuff is a non-issue, and those who think it is an issue should steer clear. There is plenty of heavy on the record, but unless you consider yourself a fan of natural artistic progression, there may be disappointment around the corner for you. Stagnant listeners, beware.