When it comes to sheer instrumental madness as the modus operandi of one’s music, very few even come remotely close to the French based artist Igorrr. It’s true that there exists a myriad of exceptionally mind-blowing instrumental acts but often these instrumental acts stick to one genre depending on their own prowess and specialty. Genre specific instrumental acts have a way of interpreting other genres of music and recreating that with it’s own take. But when it comes to fusion, band’s that mix and blend not only genres but also musical trends is rare. The Algorithm does an amazing job at this alongside Igorrr but the latter represents another dimension to pushing fusion to new extremes.

Igorrr’s latest offering ‘Savage Sinusoid’ is surreal, unreal and alien. For as long as I’ve hear Igorrr’s music, it’s in my own interest to not stick to an expectation of central themes. I, like many other fans are left to only expect and anticipate new extremes from the music in every possible direction that exists. The album opens up with a small intro “Viande” and breaks into a heavy riff section before turning itself into some sort of weird scream electro blackened metal. Because why not? Igorrr’s attempt to explore and combine different eras of music into one to make one massive soundscape is simply breathtaking. When it comes to the crux of reviewing music as different and as complex on this album, I really have no idea where to start. The album is simply enormous.

It would be wrong for me to really call this kind of music a fusion of sorts. In that case, the want for a label or a genre warrants any kind of music as something narrow. I think more than just music per se, Igorrr attempts to explore composition as something that is cross temporal. “Houmous” is definitely evident of that. From incorporating folk elements to electronica to metal to the point where the song is itself cinematic, the music has multiple layers to it. Forget limits, this song even proceeds to incorporate glitch and 8 bit sounds after a guest appearance from his chicken. The way this song unfolds makes it cross temporal. From older Baroque elements to traditional folk parts to operatic singing to metal, electronica to video game sounds, this song is a timeline of trends by its own right.

“Proble¦Çme d’e¦ümotion” brings out the classical side of his influence in better light. It’s a hauntingly peaceful yet melancholic track.  “Spaghetti Forever” is a track of epic proportions. Even with it’s relaxing start, the song suddenly evolves into a lot of different things. It’s a heavy yet very melodic track. “Cheval” redefines what folk metal ought to really be. It really could be a standard for folk metal with extreme elements. It’s catchy, paced and heavy. Some of you traditionalist might dig “Va te foutre”. This song is very sounds similar to everything that makes up an extreme tech/death metal song. Mad riffs and bass work complemented with tons of blasts along with Igorrr’s signature on it.

“Robert” is a percussionist and electronica dream fest. If you’ve been obsessed with gates, filters and LFO’s, look no further! And this song has one insane drop. “Au Revoir” marks the end of the album and a great experience. The song start off with an emotional operatic and piano intro and the song continues to intensify within these elements. The heavier metal and electronica comes in later into play and compliments the piano arrangements.

‘Savage Sinusoid’ is a masterpiece. This is truly an embodiment of musical and sonic liberation not only for the listener but also for itself as a form of art. This album is representative of musical expressionism in contemporary times. From the softest elements to the furthest extremes, Igorrr beautifully brings out an approach to music that doesn’t beg for an identity but is one by itself.

The production is spot on, it’s just right for the kind of music is. To have VSTs and actual instruments find good synthesis with each other without either one of them sounding overpowering is amazing. From composition and arrangements to the final production, Igorrr sets a new standard across styles of music. While the music at first can seem a little lost but ‘Savage Sinusoid’ is an album of solid musical direction. For the sake of complaining, one might get bored with the predominant electronica elements, but then we could get bored with anything. This is just what the music is. ‘Savage Sinusoid’ is truly satisfying.