Ion Dissonance

The Profile

Ion Dissonance is a Canadian mathcore band from Montreal, formed in 2001. Known for dissonant, complex structures and punishing odd-time grooves, they’ve released albums including Breathing Is Irrelevant (2003), Solace (2005), Minus the Herd (2007), Cursed (2010), and Cast the First Stone (2016).

Formed in Montreal in 2001; vocalist change in 2006 from Gabriel McCaughry to Kevin McCaughey; discography includes Breathing Is Irrelevant (2003), Solace (2005), Minus the Herd (2007), Cursed (2010), Cast the First Stone (2016). Frequently cited influences/comparisons: Dillinger Escape Plan, Converge, Meshuggah, Gorguts.

Three reviews chart Ion Dissonance’s path from hyper-technical, dissonant mathcore to a more streamlined metalcore edge. Breathing Is Irrelevant and Solace earn high praise for precision, extremity, and innovation; Minus the Herd gets mixed notes for reduced individuality and a vocal shift. Influences cited include Dillinger Escape Plan, Converge, Meshuggah, and Gorguts. Production and structure are closely examined, with emphasis on odd meters and relentless intensity.