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Psycroptic: Initiation
30/12/10 || InquisitorGeneralis
Psycroptic was pretty fucking awesome when I saw them live opening up for Nile back in November. So awesome in fact, that I picked up their recent live album “Initiation” because I had never even seen the damn thing at my local record store. Live tech-death? Sounds kind of dicey I know but the Tasmanians deliver. This is not a genre or career defining live album mind you, but “Initiation” does capture one of the best technical death metal bands on the planet kickin’ it on stage with considerable skill. I would definitely put Psycroptic up there in the top tier of technical metal bands that currently includes Soreption, Decapitated, Origin, and The Faceless. I know that fellow staffer The Duff is a huge fan of the band, and all things technical, so I am happy to have been able to sneak this review by his all-knowing, all-seeing gaze!
“Initiation” features a good mix of songs from all four of Psycroptic’s studio albums. “The scepter of Jar-Gilon” is the song that got me hooked on Psycroptic’s magic dust so obviously I would have liked for that to be included on here. Still, the set covers pretty much all of my favorite ‘Croptic tunes besides that. “Horde in devolution” is an A+ winner that features several groovetastic breakdowns and an ending beat down that reminds of me Decapitated’s masterpiece “Post(?) organic”. Since the only Psycroptic record I do not own is the band’s debut “Isle of Disenchantment” I definitely enjoy “The sword of uncreation” and “Carnival of vulgarity”, both from that album . I need to pick that baby up to complete the collection ASAP!
“Epoch of the gods” is the best track off of “Symbols of Failure” and the band nails it. The breakdown riff that comes in around the 2:00 mark is godly. My main issue with that song, and album, is the overuse of vocals. Many of the songs from “The Scepter of the Ancients” also suffer from this. “Lacertine forest” and “The colour of sleep” are both killer, brutal tunes but would benefit. However, Jason Peppiatt does a nice job on the “Chalky” era material. The band as a whole is as tight as a chipmunk’s pussy and there is no dip in performance even after an hour of technical blasting insanity.
Thankfully, it seems that with the release of “(Ob)servant” Psycroptic have finally realized that they need a bit more accessibility along with less vocals and now feature extended sections where the band (who are fucking awesome) are allowed to rock the fuck out. Case in point; the end of “Initiate” takes this concert home like country fucken roads. Techy, groovy riffs combined with slightly tuned-downed drumming is a formula that will take these guys to the next level. Joe Haley is a killer guitarist who seems to be a bit overshadowed by his Octopus-like brother who sits behind the kit. David Haley is one of the best drummers around right now and “Initiate” proves that he has the chops to play his material live. When you listen to a Psycroptic studio album it is easy to think that there is a ton of studio wankery going on to achieve the drum performance and sound. After seeing the band live and listening to “Initiation” I can tell you that Dave Haley is the real motherfucken deal. Fills, insane double bass, slower groove…the dude can do it all as good as anyone else.
Like many live albums, except for Motorhead’s “No Sleep Till Hammersmith” and Kiss’ “Alive”, this is not an absolute must have. However, if you are already and established Psycroptiac this is certainly something you should be on the lookout for. If you have never heard the band before, but this review has caused you to get a little baby-boner, I would recommend picking up “(Ob)servant” first. “Initiation” would not be the worst place to start, especially due to the diversity of the set list, but I think the studio records are the way to go for beginners.
“Initiate” offers nothing new but really does catch one of the most creative, talented tech-death bands today laying it down on stage. I wave my ancient scepter (also known as my moderately sized cock) and bequeath the following score…
- Information
- Released: 2010
- Label: Stomp
- Website: www.Psycroptic.com
- Band
- Jason Peppiatt: vocals
- Joe Haley: guitar
- Cameron Grant: bass
- David Haley: drums
- Tracklist
- 01. A Calculated Effort
- 02. Merchants of Deceit
- 03. Ob(Servant)
- 04. The Sword of Uncreation
- 05. Skin Coffin
- 06. Horde in Devolution
- 07. Carnival of Vulgarity
- 08. Epoch of the Gods
- 09. Lacertine Forest
- 10. Immortal Army of One
- 11. The Colour of Sleep
- 12. Initiate
