A total of six out of the ten songs here are instrumentals comprising of: four interludes, a centerpiece, and an ambient closing track and while it can seem a tad over-encumbering at times, dredg manage to hold our interest with catchy riffs, intuitive drumming, and some bizarre yet appropriate instrument choices. In actuality the lyrics play a minor role in the album as it is mainly instrumentally based. As well as this, there is a concept that flows through the album about a man who has to travel from place to place to cure a spiritual disease that plagues him, however the lyrics are left open enough to imply more meanings other than just the singular concept. The main theme surrounding the album is, appropriately, the idea of change. As it stands, Leitmotif is an exceptional debut album, showing progression and maturity, as well as just downright brilliant musicianship. They matured into adults, and as a result their music became much more refined, intelligent and progressive. They were no longer pissed off, rebellious teenagers shouting their problems down a microphone amidst a sea of crunchy guitar riffs. However, between the release of those EP’s and their full length debut, Leitmotif, something happened the band grew up. Their first two EP’s were brash, angry and raw cuts of alternative metal full of de-tuned power chord riffs, harsh screaming, and repetitive lyrics. They mature from rebellious teenagers into sensible men and women full of life experience ready to tackle all the challenges that life throws at them.

Review Summary: dredg drop the angst and create an exceptional debut album.

Dredg- Leitmotif