One of technical death metal’s most revered bands Psycroptic is dropping their latest album “The Pulse of Annihilation” tomorrow July 17. It’s also their first release on their new label Metal Blade. This is the second straight album that features Origin vocalist Jason Keyser. Psycroptic has been consistently solid even the last few albums. They are similar to me in the same vein as Soreption songwriting wise. While there may be technical flair and crazy speed changes, they always find plenty of moments for great groove. They aren’t Archspire or Necrophagist and that’s honestly a good thing. Tons of bands emulate that style and Archspire carries that torch for modern tech death. That’s why I’ve always loved Psycroptic they are great songwriters and not just showcasing serious shredwork.
The Pulse Of Annihilation is the culmination of everything that has come before,” remarks Joe Haley. “We never force anything stylistically and just let the songs manifest of their own accord – maintaining progression while remaining very much PSYCROPTIC. I feel this is our most epic, thrashing, technical while grooviest release yet.”
The album’s first single, “Gathering A Venomous Herd” serves as an immediate declaration of intent.
This one’s a tricky one and total wrist splitter,” Haley notes, “It’s a mega non-stop riff fest.”
“It’s a knuckle-dragger,” agrees bassist Todd Stern, “I love when we can just cool out at this tempo. All my favorite PSYCROPTIC songs have this kind of ‘bounce’ to them that allows for just endless head-banging and leaves room for massive vocal passages, plus there’s that noodley section in the middle with the guitar ring out… Meathead Monday.”
“The Pulse Of Annihilation” is a solid 9 track offering, not overstaying its welcome. The Haley combination on drums and guitar is something else. They can go off the walls crazy then lock into some tight grooves. Joe (guitar) is basically perfect in my eyes. Homie comes up with the raddest riffs and consistently puts it on display. His brother on drums David has always been phenomenal too. He’s a consistent drummer who’s a very clean player. Not much needs to be said about the Haley brothers that hasn’t been said at this point. Their razor sharp precision is dually noted.
The dual vocal attack of Keyser and vocalist Peppiatt is fantastic. It worked well on the previous release “Divine Counsel” and sure as hell does again. Peppiatt’s unique style compliments Keyser well, with a little thrashier style that’s a little rougher. It’s not guttural or brutal, but sounds great in their style. He still has good range after all these years and same can be said for Keyser. The vocals are a home run as is the bass. The album is mixed well just wish the bass was more audible.
The Tasmanian tech masters have graced us with their presence yet again and in their older years still give us great music. They show the young kids how it’s done on many levels. You can have spurts of crazy sections but still make it palatable for listeners. They know how to harness their talents well at this stage in their careers. You most certainly will get annihilated by this record.
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Courtesy of technicalmusicreview.com.
