Contrast is defined as the state of being markedly different from something else, typically something in juxtaposition or close association.  Most of the bands that follow trends set by others in order to fill a position in the already overcrowded world of genres, fade away if not for some "chosen ones" that rise as the main masters or master expositors of the characteristics within these boundaries, but there are a few some that stand out for being the founders of unique and original ways of interpretation and composition of their expression.

SUNLESS are a dissonant Avant-Death metal band from Minnesota, releasing their debut Full-length album "Urraca" in this 2017. A priceless contrast with what some may call the current turn of events in the American metal atmosphere and a piece of Metal awesomeness depicted in 9 tracks that combine true musicianship with the death metal attitude and folklore, if one may use that word to describe this ever-extreme branch of metal.

As dissonant as they try to sound "Magpie" the literal translation of Urraca, the Spanish word used one of the most intelligent animals in the world (another contrast to the ever overexposed raven used by almost every artist trying to seem gloomy and mysterious, "sorry Steven Wilson") has an intro worthy of Jazz or Prog, with a drum structure guiding the other instruments with proper accordance to the execution of the changes taken harmoniously by the band, like a system in complete homeostasis, the way the up tempos, the stanzas and cadences seem to inter connect each other is worthy of a symphonic orchestra of world fame proportions, this is to me the best track on this album and the one that best reflects the essential identity of SUNLESS a band that I hope reaches the notoriety it deserves as long as their true colors remain unhindered. I just love the way these musicians merge together to conform a flawless ensemble of rhythm, dissonant harmonies and tonal disparities that would make Charles Michael Schuldiner proud, and the way Ben Iburg can gravity blast while keeping octaves on the hi hat is to me just another example of human evolution and the way it has developed and enhanced art in all its forms. This band has an extended consciousness when it comes to performing, and I was glad to observe this on a video of the Minnesota natives executing their compositions live on the world's biggest online video platform.

A record for those not that much into old school and more into the discovery of new horizons within the true quiddity of metal, an approach that if taken in the second half of the decade of the eighties I am sure would have acquired a place in the sacred vaults of the Metal Temple, for now let's enjoy the birth and existence of a bad with a bright future ahead of them, with our full support and demand for the maintenance of their quality.