(Progressive Metal) [CD] Rendezvous Point - Universal Chaos - 2019, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

This is quite the intriguing listen. Rendezvous Point is a progressively minded rock/metal band from Norway that features members once and/or currently involved with Leprous and Ihsahn, among others. Although I had no idea what “Universal Chaos” sounded like, I put bets down of it having similarities to the usual progressive metal suspects. Rendezvous Point’s efforts are far outside that box. “Universal Chaos” does not sound like any record I’ve ever heard. Rendezvous Point sent this thing out in space with the satellites, birthing this kaleidoscopic, geometrically sequenced opus of progressive rock/metal that moves left of center. Weird stuff on the outside but substantial in the inside. I can’t complain.
“Universal Chaos” is not chained by the conventional themes of progressive rock or metal. That statement may seem like a misnomer, but there are unspoken rules self-described progressive groups follow that offset the concept of progressive music, you know what I mean? Rendezvous Point is off in their own little space doing their own little activities, not really overlapping with any band I can think of. The songs are not driven by riffs, but by the whole atmosphere of everything amalgamating. The synths and keyboards, I think, hold more credence than any other instrument as a driving force of setting the tempo and ambience. Most of the album is spacey and light, perhaps psychedelic at times. Heavy riffs occur, but they are straightforward and sound almost misty rather than having a punchy presentation. The collective effort is more of the spine than anything else. It has quite the allure.
Due to the lack of riff-based structuring and its general spacelike climate, “Universal Chaos” is low on intensity. This can be a little offsetting given the record’s direction and unhurried pace. Then again, “Universal Chaos” is off doing its own thing with unconventional song structures, wild and wacky keyboards and synths zipping and zapping from side to side, bass noodling, and so on. Everything is surprisingly easy to digest despite having such eccentricities at play, and that counts for something. Rendezvous Point is bouncing off the walls creatively and executing the whole thing with nuance. It’s interesting stuff. The vocals are fantastic— they remind me of Roy Khan, oddly enough—and the choruses are well-written and poignant. I really like the guitar leads and acrobatics as well, sparingly used as they are. The album just needs to be heard to be fathomed, I think.
This is the type of record that will jive well with those more accumulated to the neutral area between progressive rock/metal and spacey stuff, whatever that means. I’m more of a metal guy myself, believe it or not, and subsequently see the lack of metallic elements as something that might hinder the album’s creative direction—not to imply this is the case, but it is something to consider how personal preferences affect one’s perception. A different set of ears, however, might find “Universal Chaos” a true marvel for its unabashed traveling of avenues seldom acknowledged. Unusual and unexpected, I like Rendezvous Point’s style and efforts here. It’s a solid listen with solid parts, although I think the audience that will cherish this the most will be just as musically peculiar.
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Gunn-Hilde Erstad Bass
Baard Kolstad Drums
Petter Hallaråker Guitars
Nicolay Tangen Svennæs Keyboards
Geirmund Hansen Vocals