The infamous noise-punk trio out of Toronto arrives with another turbulent body of work on its third full-length, “Strange Peace.”

The new album, backed by none other than Sub Pop Records, harnesses METZ’s trademark garage punk energy and sends it through a screaming industrial wasteland. Guitarist and vocalist Alex Edkins called “Strange Peace” his most diverse recording to date, and fans of METZ’s older albums will likely revel in the expansion of sound.

Most songs swerve between drilling progressions and just plain pandemonium. Edkins’s vocal, low in the mix, allows him to showcase his instrument as a bonafide noise-making machine.  

The 11th and last track, “Raw Materials,” is a journey in itself. Coming in at nearly six minutes,  “Raw Materials” begins frantically, but descends into a layered, post-punk bliss at the halfway mark. I’d argue it is the most technically impressive song on the record, but METZ doesn’t care much for technicalities.

Other highlights like “Drained Lake” and “Dig a Hole” are reasons METZ is a must-see live act. The three-piece has a reputation for galvanizing performances in the U.S. and around the world.

Still, the song that best represents METZ’s vision for “Strange Peace” may be the album’s shortest. “Escalator Teeth” has less seconds than the opening credits of “Game of Thrones,” but its few lyrics are encapsulating.

“Machine-like repetition obscures my line of vision,” Edkins sings. “And it takes hold. It goes on and on and on.”

If listeners can look past the blanket of sound that unites each track, they may find an entrancing quality in “Strange Peace.” Listening to METZ’s relentless repetition all at once can be a transcendent experience, despite all the racket.

Those who prefer a little less feedback on their guitars should start with METZ self-titled debut. After conquering that 2012 release, “Strange Peace” is daring second step into the band’s sonic wormhole.

Rating: 8/10

For fans of: The Men, Pissed Jeans, Flipper

Taxi