Across four exceptional albums the ludicrously technical instrumental metal outfit Canvas Solaris have garnered a much esteemed reputation for themselves. Fifth full length Irradiance, the follow up to 2008’s The Atomized Dream, continues that awe inspiring trajectory with aplomb.

This record is a vivacious clinic of dancing up and down the fret board. Guitarists Nathan Sapp and Chris Rushing create as well as dominate the focal point of Irradiance. The fretwork is otherworldly and while tremendously technical these nine songs never lose sight of tastefulness and very much remain songs.

Their jaw dropping musicianship and blurring finger prancing would have both John Petrucci and Ron Jarzombek nodding approvingly in their direction. Look to Conveyance Of Flux as evidence, it oozes hooks aplenty to engage with as angular riffs weave in and out.

That said, while guitars reign supreme Canvas Solaris are still a band and one that has grown sharper and more ambitious during this album’s predecessors. A thick plaiting bass underlies the whole affair, adding veritable muscle. The cascading synths and samples too deliver a fresh dimension as they meet the stylishly executed drums.

Irradiance is bustling with ideas left right and centre but it’s incredibly tight yet still ambitiously sprawling and spacious. All is focussed with no cramming or suffocating of thoughts and designs, everything has room to breathe.

Both The Horizons Feast On Stars and Glacier heave with bombast but conversely, Soliton (Emergence From Dispersion) smoothly glides in with a slick trade off of guitars. Effortlessly rising and rising, the gloriously polished guitar work is emphasised increasingly so by a faultless production. All is then complemented by the dazzling close of mesmeric samples.

Irradiance also plays with some heavy jazz influences and remains unyieldingly solid from start to finish. But it’s moments like those hair raising crescendos that make Irradiance special. Vapor Chasm is like a steam train for the most part, powering through riffs only to descend into a soothing hypnotic close. Followed by album swansong Null Proximity which sees acoustics introduced, Irradiance is brought to a restful finish. Five albums in Canvas Solaris have brought the goods once again.

Drop-d Rating: 8/10

Canvas Solaris