The album opens with a literal blast off with "Planet A." The song opens with what sounds like a countdown to a shuttle launch, followed by an eruption of music that lifts the listener skyward. There is an openness through out the song that lends to concept of interstellar travel. The band doesn't need to fill the song with busy rifts and clutter. The result is a clean song that transitions through the stars till it crashes, literally.
Sometimes the shortest songs carry the most weight, "Alien" is a perfect example. This song is violent and short, an all out race that leaves you feeling like your running from the monster in the song. The problem with a short song is the lack of time in it, the lack of depth and proper build up, or that's the complaint you'd get if the band didn't think this number through as well as they did.
"Moongod" is a nice change from the previous two songs, much more melodic. A moment to talk about a vocalist's voice, a good vocalist can use their tone to translate a feeling without having to explain it. In this song he does that seamlessly, adding what almost feels like honesty to his voice, pulling the listener deeper into the song.
I'm really not sure why "Celestial Mechanics" is on the record other than to be a segue into "Supernova." As a transition it makes sense and pushes into probably my favorite song on the album. "Supernova" brings the melodic vocals in stronger than any other song on this record and has a grit to it. The opening rift to the song brings the listener in and the band carries you away from there. The song flows from that open, space feeling, to a much tighter sound. Everything builds till the end and leaves you suspended, it's just a fantastic song.
Finally there is "Asteroid" the last song on the EP. As a final song should, every aspect of the EP is represented. The song opens with quickness and ferocity, reminding everyone that this band's roots are metal to the core. The mental image of an asteroid hurtling toward a planet is very easily drawn. The middle of the song tones everything down to build it back up, as if the impact is rolling over the listener. The song ends with what feels like the impact and wraps up an interstellar journey.
This is a must own album if you are a fan of the band. I would not recommend it be your first experience with The Devil Wears Prada, start with Plagues or Dead Throne, but it is a nice reminder of what this band is capable of, and a nice look into what these new chapters will bring from them.
Always Listening
NIck
