As one of the forefront of UK tech metal, Chimp Spanner occupies a similar territory to Animals As Leaders. Where they diverge is that the Chimp revolves about massive palm-muted riffs: clipped, precise, and utterly addictive, with not an ounce of fat to be heard on them. They’re every bit as heavy as Meshuaggah, but nowhere near as oppressive – Chimp comes across as joyous and exhilarating as Rush at their peak, or Dream Theater in their less self-indulgent moments.

With no vocals, the main melodic thrust is provided by a succession of lyrical leads, each more triumphant than the last. Opener ‘Dark Age Of Technology’ and thee-part ‘Möbius’ suite are stuffed full of them, but finale ‘Cloud City’ is also the funkiest metal song you’d hear all year, with slap ‘n’ pop and walking bass lines among the mix.  All eyes read this: listen to this.

Reviewed by Steve Jones
All Roads Lead Here is out 6th February on Basick Records

You’ll like this if… your technical thrills need no frills.