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Meek Is Murder - Algorithms

Rating

RIYL

The Chariot
Trap Them
Narrows

Release Date

03/22/2011

Label

MetalSucks

Tracklist

1. Hello, World!
2. Return Void
3. Algorithms
4. Recursions
5. (null)
6. Hope Springs Eternal (Spaghetti Code)
7. Sundowners
8. foo
9. Dining Philosophers
10. Garbage Collector

Users Rating 2 ratings	Your Rating Create an account or log in to rate this album
Recent Ratings
Maclyn Bean	Brandon Helms

Mike Keller is a busy man. By day, he develops iOS apps under the name Meek is Murder and writes a PC World blog chronicling his experiences in the programming field. He also operates a moving company and writes music for a project called My Life Is a Bird. When he takes a break from all of this, he likes to write a unique brand of metalcore that takes influence from the world of grindcore and other experimental styles. Work and play aren’t too far off from each other, however, as his newest effort is expertly littered with computer science references both lyrically and musically.

Defining itself with twisted grooves, a ferocious assault of percussion, and a chaotic ethos, Meek is Murder packs an impressive amount of personality into the sub-20 minute Algorithms. Combining the noise of The Chariot and borrowing some of Trap Them’s signature grime, Keller manages to create a familiar yet original sound for listeners to revel in. Kurt Ballou provides a stellar production job, as usual, maximizing the band’s energy and making sure that the sonic assault never gives way. Interlaced with feedback and averaging at around a minute and a half per song, seamless transitions help make the album feel much longer than it actually is.

Keller and drummer Frank Godla both share the helm of the MIM ship for the majority of the album, guiding listeners through the songs with the mastery of their instruments. Godla shows literally jaw-dropping chops in “(null)” and throughout the album, transitioning between opposing sections at break-neck speeds. Bassist Sam Brodsky also does an expert job, outlining songs like “Recursions” and “(null)” in a way that is fundamentally sound, yet explorative and melodic as well. It’s refreshing to hear a bassist in this style of music who knows when to stay in the pocket and when to venture out of it. All in all, the musicianship on this album is outstanding. The power trio has clearly honed their sound together, as every note one member plays complements another.

Meek is Murder’s second album is a banger. Packed with energy and charisma, the trio has a goal and they reach it. If you’re a fan of the band or this style of music in general, you’re going to find something worth listening to on this disc. If not, you should still be able to appreciate the prowess that it takes to release a coherent and focused album of this quality. Algorithms certainly sets the bar high in terms of metal releases.

--Cody Rogers