Review by Rachel Jablonski
Metal music often contains an artistic sophistication that isn’t always evident to those who don’t understand the genre. But the latest album from France’s Gojira is an exemplary example. The Way of All Flesh is poetic and intellectual, both lyrically and in musical arrangement. A follow-up to their highly acclaimed breakthrough release, From Mars to Sirus (2006), Gojira’s latest is introspective and a complete illustration of immortality of the soul and the dilemma of mortal demise.
Reoccurring themes such as death, serpent, circle, soul, life, light, nature, reflection, fire, struggle, and illusion intelligently surround diverse musical arrangements. Strategic lyrical phrases explode from the musical blend emphasizing album concept. “Oroborus”, which is the symbol for eternal life – a snake biting its own tail, stresses the lyrics "by the mouth of the serpent regenerate… death is just an illusion." In contrast, “All the Tears” notes, "I am struggling, life is illusion but I keep the dream of a better time." Further, “A Sight To Behold” proclaims, "The way I see myself so confused so sophisticated I have to stay away from me, but I still don’t get the point what’s worth destroying all the worlds try not to get it anymore." As these lyrics suggest, the songs on the album illuminate the internal conflicts and struggles associated with life and death.
One of the most meaningful and powerful tracks on the album for me is “Esoteric Surgery”. The heavy track is rhythmically pleasing and I wholeheartedly believe in the song’s cerebral premise. "You have the power to heal yourself," the song asserts. "All illness can be healed, the cell regenerates, disambiguated situation, there is a secret code in the structure of the mind… you have the power to heal yourself." As the song implies, the mind is a mysterious and powerful tool through which all circumstances can be overcome. I strongly believe in this assertion; introspection is the key.
It’s not only Gojira’s concept and lyrics on The Way of All Flesh that are astute. The heavy musical foundation is profoundly varied from crunchy guitar rhythms to rapid note progressions to softer instrumentals to waltz-like guitar riffs in “Toxic Garbage Island” and some synth/effects in “A Sight to Behold”. Layered vocals emphasize catchier coarse melodies against rougher, growled vocals. The intense drumming of Mario Duplantier is distinct, yet somehow manages to coincide. Gojira vocalist/guitarist Joe Duplantier produced the album exceptionally well and Logan Mader (ex-Machine Head) brilliantly mixed and mastered. The layers and levels are very, very well done, an art that seems to be lacking in a lot of music today.
The Way of All Flesh is further diversified by soft and lulling instrumental called “The Silver Cord” and the 10 minute long progressive song called “The Art of Dying”. “The Art of Dying” begins with a low sustaining murmur and a tribal-like drum beat before breaking into a massive attack of complex rhythms and quick tempo guitar riffs. The title track follows this trend. “Vacuity”, the first single from the album, is a more straightforward metal track with a catchy chorus. Also noteworthy, “Adoration for None” features guest vocalist Randy Blythe of Lamb of God who has toured with and been a big supporter of Gojira.
Put simply, The Way of All Flesh is a very diverse, conceptual album. Gojira’s effort is heavy, varied, thoughtful, and sophisticated both in word and deed.