Psycroptic
Symbols Of Failure (3 cd)
Wydane przez Neurotic RecordsRok wydania 2006Kraj australiaNapisał Wouter9
While I am only familiar with bits and pieces of Psycroptic's earlier works (2001's "Isle Of Disenchantment" and 2003's "Scepter Of the Ancients") I was nevertheless eagerly anticipating this release. This Tasmanian outfit deliver a blistering mix between "Nihility" era Decapitated (guitar gymnastics), Spawn Of Possession (song structures) and classic Atheist (pumping groove and technicality). New vocalist Jason Peppiatt has a good range as he shouts, snarls, growls, shrieks and gurgles his way through out the material. A special mention must go to drummer David Haley who proves to be a capable skinsman, applying numerous different styles and techniques through out the course of this record. Opening track 'Alpha Breed' sets the benchmark for the album, displaying a no-holds-barred approach to technical death metal. The multi-layered structure of the track allows the over-layered melodies and harmonics to seamlessly fit with the more straightforward pieces of the track. 'Alpha Breed' impressively goes over into 'Missionaries Of A Future to Come'. That Psycroptic isn't a band that needs to play at full speed all the time is proved effectively by cuts such as 'Merchants Of Deceit', 'Epoch Of the Gods' and 'Repairing the Dimensional Cluster'. The latter two tracks take their time to build steam and when they hit their climax, the results leave one's jaw on the floor in awe. Judging from the track list I'd say there is some kind of narrative that binds these tracks together, but since the promo didn't came with a lyric sheet, I can't confirm that observation. Artwork by Par Oloffson is tasteful and really fits the band's concept. The production by guitarist Joe Haley is well-balanced, crystal clear and retains enough of a rough edge in the guitar department. Psycroptic have possibly delivered one of the best technical death metal records in years. "Symbols Of Failure" is bound to become a genre classic in years to come.
www.psycroptic.com
