Artifex Pereo - Time in Place

For those familiar, the post-hardcore scene isn't exactly what it used to be, but fortunately for fans, the genre as a whole is beginning to expand in size. In turn, it's sound has evolved quickly, with new bands incorporating regional and progressive influences into a familiar package. These bands are defying past trends toward what many industry heavyweights called a stagnant scene.

The fast and intriguing advancement of post-hardcore music is perhaps best exhibited by Artifex Pereo, a progressive band from Louisville, KY. Time in Place is their Major Label debut, released on Tooth and Nail Records in May of this year. It represents the explosive expression of a band that succeeds in pushing its own sound into uncharted territory. "Time in Place", in a sense, changes the essence of the influences it adapts, and is undoubtedly one of the best post-hardcore albums of the past several years

In terms of production, Time in Place borders on perfection. Kris Crummett, Engineer and Producer, tracked this record in his living room. The mix is tight, spacey, and outright excellent. Artifex Pereo offer a sound that is a perfect fit for Kris' skill set, and the results are wonderful. The vocals are airy and warm, the drums are immense, and the guitars are impossibly tight and full of dynamic finger tone.

Production aside, the greatest strengths of Time in Place are the instrumental performances themselves. Lucas Worley, vocalist, lays down dynamic melodies, while Jordan Haynes and Jamie Davis dish out expressive and intricate riffs on guitar. Cory Eaves absolutely cleans house in the percussion department, always playing conscious of the pocket. Eugene Barker, is to this day, one of my favorite bassists. He too delivers a wide array of tones and a unique interplay with Cory's kick drum patterns throughout the record. In line with this trend, the track "Laugh at the World" shows off the best of Artifex Pereo's instrumental skill, especially in terms of guitar and vocal work.

The central theme of Time in Place is the way it plays with the post-hardcore formula. The most evident example of this is the inclusion of Jeremiah Brinkworth's bluesy keys throughout the record, which bring the overall feel of each song back in time, adding a classic vibe. Nearly every track on the record, in some way turns post-hardcore on its head. Unorthodox structures in songs such as "Hands of Penance" pepper Time in Place in fluid fashion without taking away from sonic impact. "Liable for Tragedy" uses Davis' raw swooning in stark contrast to Worley's refined sound. "The Straight and Winding Way" takes full advantage of Brinkworth's keyboard work, but still is grounded in it's post-hardcore roots.

As a whole, Time in Place is a wonderful, electrifying release. There is no shortage of musical progression, and Artifex Pereo clearly revel in their ability to change your expectations on the fly. The album is not afraid to evolve itself, and strikes a perfect balance between experimentation and familiarity. Time in Place is one of the year's best, marking an incredible major label debut from a tremendously talented group.

Below is the closing track on Time in Place. "Overview" is one of the more experimental songs on the record, best showcasing Artifex Pereo's ability to twist structure and melody with genius fluidity.

If you like post-hardcore or progressive music as a whole, pick up this record. You will be doing yourself and your ears a kind, gracious service.