Dillinger Escape Plan

As Dillinger Escape Plan vocalist Greg Puciato recently revealed to Exclaim!, when writing lyrics, he must peel back personal layers in order to get at what needs to be conveyed. Such an analogy perfectly befits the insanity that is Option Paralysis. First impressions may garner opinions that the quartet put noses to the same grindstone that resulted in 2007's Ire Works, yet one must start looking through the forest to spot some pretty stunning trees. Once Dillinger's overt mathematical/tech-metal armour is penetrated, Option Paralysis unravels itself to reveal a great dose of force and creativity via confrontational metallic blasts offset by moments of serenity (most notably on the piano-driven "Widower") that offer a new take on the term "intensity." Packed with obvious unbridled rage, yet clearly more attuned to the impact of flux, Option Paralysis is immediately stunning, enduringly engaging and, as their longest album yet, another high point in DEP's virtually irreproachable output. Given their status as cult heroes, yes, it's obvious that many pundits will scrutinize, yet sing the praises of, Option Paralysis. However, as is typically the case with DEP, they entirely deserve it.