This is heavy metal where ‘heavy’ refers principally to matters of the mind. ‘W’ is an extraordinary ode to the most reflective of emotions, suspended by Boris’ atmosphere of rumination. It is simultaneously delicate, pounding, and dark, but even in ‘W’’s sombre corners, the instrumental tones are looking towards some far off light in wistful hope. The occasional thrashings of guitar, as on ‘The Fallen,’ are justified, stopping short of anger and falling at the feet of something more nuanced, more understanding. This is a remarkable album about the process of healing. A shimmering, shoegaze-y triumph.