Option Paralysisby The Dillinger Escape Plan

Dillinger Escape Plan's 4th full-length album is a career-defining masterpiece of modern progressive metal/mathcore. "Option Paralysis" continues in the direction hinted at in 2007's very good "Ire Works" with more experimentation of dynamics, electronics, and piano (notably in album highlight "Widower"). Everything on "Option Paralysis" is so meticulously constructed as to be a wonder that unfolds more of its beauty with every listen. After listening to it more than 50 times, I am still finding new sounds burrowed in that put a smile on my head banging face. This is DEP's most diverse album yet despite the focus that it has, and also has some of the best hooks they have ever written--just try getting "Gold Teeth On A Bum" out of your head. The vocals are arguably the most impressive the genre has to offer with Greg Puciato sounding as unhinged as ever and yet delightfully Patton-esque when he lets his voice really shine. The drums and guitars are absolutely top notch as well, as expected. I can't recommend this album any more strongly--it is one of my favorites in years and will be remembered as an important and enjoyable release by one of the hardest working bands in music.