THEY SHALL BE RELEASED

ION DISSONANCE

Cast the First Stone The return of Ion Dissonance comes six years after their last album, Cursed; the time away has served them well, as the Montreal death metal/mathcore band surpass expectations with a record that is even more dynamic, menacing and chaotic than its predecessor. This fifth album showcases the technical, angular guitar work, viciously discordant rhythms and intense grooves that made 2005’s Solace an instant classic. It’s a relentless, anxiety-inducing attack as soon as first track “Burdens” kicks in with hostile vocals, chaotic guitars and frenetic drum blasts. The slow “Untitled II” provides a bit of a breather before the second half of the album bounces back with harsh brutality. “Ill Will” features a particularly powerful breakdown, while “Virtue” highlights the band’s knack for unpredictable structures and unorthodox tempo changes. Showcasing impeccable musicianship and songwriting throughout, Cast the First Stone summarizes everything fans know, love and appreciate about Ion Dissonance. (Good Fight Music, goodfightmusic.com)

YOU’VE SAID THAT THIS WAS A “TOUGH PROJECT.” CAN YOU ELABORATE?

Vocalist Kevin McCaughey: I went through some personal issues a couple years ago, and when we started taking the writing process seriously, I was motivated to release a lot of that negative buildup that I had inside of me. I think you can hear it and feel it in the songs. So for me, it was a tough process to talk about that.

DOES ION DISSONANCE PROVIDE A RELEASE FOR THAT NEGATIVITY?

That’s exactly it. In person, we’re a bunch of laid back guys and for the most part very positive. We’re not aggressive people and we’re not angry people. But the band that we play in, the music that we write, the style of music that we play, and the lyrics and concepts coming through, that is exactly what it is — it’s a form of release for us. It’s a way for us to vent all those negative vibes and all that negative energy. DENISE FALZON