Exxasens – INFINITUM

“INFINITUM” is the latest released by Exxasens, an excellent Spanish quartet based in Barcelona. Heavily promoted with “Infinitum,” “Tiempo” and “This Will Destroy You Until You Wake Up,” three exceptional compositions you should immediately check out, this marvelous full-length album is their first piece of work in 2024, arriving as an adequate follow-up of “Le-Voyage,” their critically acclaimed album from 2022. Soundwise, Exxasens combines many different but complementary rock subgenres to illustrate such luxuriant sonic imagery. Perhaps post-rock comes to mind first, but don’t be surprised if you stumble upon some other sonic ingredients along the way. They also embrace post-metal, progressive metal, progressive rock, and art-rock aesthetics, depending of the song’s mood and ambiance, so “INFINITUM” is a fresh, unique, diverse, and versatile collection of songs that will resonate with even the pickiest music enthusiasts. Exxasens also uses all these additional elements as more than necessary enhancements, accentuations, decorations, and other details to elevate these marvelous songs to new heights while solely remaining loyal to the primary sonic direction. Therefore, these experimentations with different but complementary styles resulted in an entire amalgam of catchy, memorable, engaging songs worth spinning over and over again.

From the onset, you’ll notice that these folks are not joking around with their sound. On “INFINITUM,” they embrace some of the finest techniques to provide the greatest post-rock experience to the listeners. They achieved this desired sound by thoroughly planning each song’s structure, garnering them with intricate segments, brilliant ideas, and superb orchestrations. Being an instrumental band, Exxasens excludes vocal arrangements by all means, but it’s not like you’ll need any thanks to their tremendous musicianship. Through ten incredible tracks, these folks demonstrate their tremendous experience, knowledge, skills, and talent. “INFINITUM” commences with a “Tiempo,” an introductory piece and one of the standalone singles that Exxasens used to promote this outstanding material before the release date. Perhaps this song begins with an almost cinematic ambient overture, but the band effortlessly transcends to a fully progressive rock odyssey, fully stacked with energetic rhythmic patterns, intricate low-ends, mesmerizing keys, and profoundly melodic guitar works. This tradition continues with “This Will Destroy You,” “Space Collapse,” and “The Rage Of Robots,” three jaw-dropping compositions that besides all the mentioned instrumentations deliver even more heaviness, clarity, and aggression, mixed up with ultimately progressive and marvelously melodic instrumentations. This contrast between aggression and calmness, power and mellowness suits the band pretty well, and makes this sonic journey even more enjoyable. This material sounds as entertaining as challenging, pushing the limits of what’s possible in the post-rock realm. “Lissajous” leans much more towards cinematic ambient and electronic music, but with recognizable post-rock vibes. You’ll stumble upon some progressive rock, space rock, synth rock, and krautrock elements along the way, but Exxasens keeps this track as calm as possible, preparing the listener for another barrage of profoundly complex post-rock songs.

“Ad Astra” is one of the unquestionable standouts of this epic sonic journey. The interplay between sequences synth leads and themes, melodies, and riffs delivered on the guitars will blow you away. In the meantime, the rhythm section provides more than necessary heaviness, clarity, and depth through equally intricate low-ends and wisely arranged beats, breaks, fills, and other percussive acrobatics. Each segment shines in the limelight, showcasing the brilliance of this outstanding band. Once again, Exxasens strike hard with “Into A Hole,” “Paradox,” and “Dystopia,” three numbers that expertly blend some of the finest properties of post-rock and post-metal music. These are the moments where the band shines the brightest, with an entire amalgam of reverby leads, tight riffs, jaw-dropping synths, warm-sounding basslines, and detailed rhythmic sequences. Of course, they implement more than necessary elements borrowed from progressive metal, progressive rock, art rock, cinematic ambient, and electronic music, but post-rock and post-metal still reign supreme during these sonic equations. These are also the moments where all their songwriting, composing, arranging, and producing abilities resonate to their full potential. Each track is like a separate voyage through an expansive sonic universe yet together they create a cohesive whole that makes this listening session so worth repeating again. “INFINITUM” comes to an end with the title track, an encapsulation of all their tremendous power and creativity. At first, you’ll think its another cinematic piece, but don’t get fooled, because it’s another fine piece of sonic artistry that presents their profound love towards post-rock sound. Each segment and instrumentation has its place and purpose, but it seems like the band introduces even more aggression and power into it, especially as this composition approaches the end.

“INFINITUM” is a post-rock masterpiece worth repeating over and over again. It’s a mindblowing sonic voyage through some of the finest ideas and instrumentations you’ll ever hear on the post-rock scene. From jaw-dropping guitar works and impressive synths to rock-solid, equally intricate basslines and drumming patterns, Exxasens proves they’re one of the finest European post-rock bands ever. It’s an otherwordly experience where each note and beat resonate with power, precision, and finesse. An essential listening experience for all true post-rock fans. “INFINITUM” is available on all streaming platforms. Don’t miss it!