Time Signature Complex...

Genre: alternative metal / progressive metal

Hailing from Canada, Mire is a progressively oriented metal band whose debut album "Inward / Outward" was self-released earlier this year. Rather than following the path of über-shreddy bands like Dream Theater, Mire take their music in a dark and introvert direction.

Much like Tool, Soundgarden, and the more obscure band Thine, Mire infuse grunge and alternative metal into their sound, combining these with odd time signatures and complex song structures. Thus, for instance, 'Tyrannicide' revolves around a grungy riff and progresses into a dynamically performed and complex composition, while 'Complex' and 'Limitless Pt. 1' feature atmospheric elements, the latter also including silken female vocals (the second part of 'Limitless' sounds like Depeche Mode would sound had they been a metal band), and 'Beast and the Machine' manages to be both dynamic and inward-looking at the same time, which also applies to 'Catalan Atlas' - a tune which also features grooves akin to what Fates Warning are currently experimenting with.

The performance is very solid, and the drumming in particular is considerably dynamic, often providing tom-tom driven jungle beats and odd metered rhythms. The songwriting is also admirable, as every song is dynamic and complex in structure. The production is a bit rough around the edges. This is generally not a problem, although the drums do sound a bit flat. I'm thinking that a fatter drum sound would suit the drummer's style of playing much better.

I do not normally listen that much to this kind of music, but even I can hear that this is a pretty good album. The music is on the alternative and introvert side, so do not expect shredding or bombastic epicness, but if you like progged up alternative metal which is rich in atmosphere, then you should give Mire a listen.