That's what the dictionary says about the title of the latest album by Icon For Hire. If that is true, perhaps Ariel is referring to chaotic emotions, but since the entire album is about these emotions, that is in itself a pattern.
Bursting onto the rock scene in 2011 with Scripted, they immediately came into focus here at Night Beat HQ as we are quite the fans of King Midas (aka Brandon Ebel of Tooth and Nail Records). Things were rocky for the band partly due to the distribution deal with EMI which ended in 2013. A number of bands decided to strike out on their own in the ensuing chaos over licensing.
Amorphous builds on the previous two releases (You Can't Kill Us, Still Can't Kill Us) in that all 3 albums are a heavy dose of emotional therapy at a fraction of the cost of a psychiatrist. Keep Breathing, Don't Lose Focus, Your alive, not a diagnosis. While I haven't been put into a nice box by the mental health profession, the medical community made a mess of my childhood, but thank you Jesus for his healing power at age 10.
I would describe the album as Metal, with a heavy dose of rap thrown in for good measure (especially panic attack which channels NF to a T). Speaking of Mental Health, Hazmat Suit Wednesdays seems like a wonderful idea in these times. Of course no Icon album would be complete without a spine chilling Ariel Ballad. This one is Backround sad, which I think comes in degrees, especially on milestone days like birthdays, anniversaries and the like.
The album ends on an up note, Warrior. (The actual end is Only Be A Story, another haunting ballad. It's a somber, not depressing, wrap, putting our life on earth in perspective. It actually complements warrior). Warrior is the embodiment of the phrase "whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger." We are what we've overcome.
Amorphous is one of those rare albums that puts you through the emotional wash, spin cycle and wringer. When you emerge, however, you will have discovered a pattern to your emotions, and you will not be Amorphous. The first PERFECT 5 EMERALD rating of the year, due mainly to the fact that I am behind schedule for the year. Here's to making progress. Until next time, I am Awaiting Your Reply.
