Calculating Infinity

AMG Review of Calculating Infinity

Jason Hundey
All Music Guide

Apparently, Dillinger has solved the complex equation asked of their album title and the answer is strange and complex. Oddly enough, Relapse is marketing this as "math metal," a term that almost fits. Having enjoyed Dillinger's bombastic, grindy punk debut mini-album, Calculating Infinity seems ten times more explosive and brilliant, as it spews forth anger and venomous misery in a way that is comparable only to spontaneous combustion. Continuing to expand upon the ultra-aggressive, deliciously technical approach they adopt toward grind and hardcore, the band has fully embraced its amazing knack for rhythmic melody on tracks like "*#" and "Weekend Sex Change." Fear not Dillinger fans, for there is enough uncontrolled hatred and violence on this release to satisfy five bands, let alone New Jersey's native sons. This album is both screechingly abrasive, as evident on "Clip the Apex... Accept Institution," and morbidly beautiful, with the Slint-ish acoustic passages of "The Running Board." "Destro's Secret" contains such an amazing progressive dance between guitar and bass that one could only compare it to the mighty Cynic. The drumming rates near the top of any extreme metal drumming, combining an offbeat jazz style with an aggressive Cryptopsy-like technical approach. The vocals are raw, disturbing, and creepy causing a strange chill to crawl up the spine. Who will appreciate Dillinger then? The eclectics and musicians who understand the complexity of the band and genius chaotically held within.