After a week of reviewing and previewing mostly lackluster albums, I finally found one worth sinking my teeth into. That record is none other than The Pulse of Annihilation, the new album from PSYCROPTIC, out now via Metal Blade Records.
Still slaying after more than two decades, PSYCROPTIC has delivered an album that feels like a tale of two halves, but only in the best possible way. The second half seems more focused on cracking open listeners’ skulls while still giving them something to think about.
Nowhere is that more apparent than on the double salvo of “Annihilation Pulse” and “No Blade of Grass.” Drummer David Haley sounds like he’s giving a clinic, and the subject is “Kicking Your Head In 101.” Meanwhile, “To Embrace This Curse” features some downright garroting guitar work from Joe Haley.
Jason Peppiatt and Jason Keyser lay down a lead-vocal tandem akin to a razor-sharp chain used in an armored-car heist, both on this track and several others. Album closer “Forging the Crown” brings in some atmospheric playing from bassist Todd Stern and wraps up this half of the record nicely.
As for the earlier material, “Ashes of a New Dawn” and “Gathering a Venomous Herd” will trigger nosebleeds from here to Vineland. And “No Time for the Weak” is guaranteed to put some lead in yer pencil, son!
I could go on and on, but know this: The boys in PSYCROPTIC have absolutely given us a winner with The Pulse of Annihilation, and this beast is gonna rattle some cages. Not getting this record on release day should come with penalties.
STANDOUT TRACKS: ALL OF THEM
RATING: 10/10
—THE MAESTRO
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