ALBUM REVIEW: Periphery V: Djent Is Not A Genre – Periphery
It is crazy to think that it is now 2023 and we’re still talking about the chaos that the pandemic inflicted on the music industry but that just shows the sheer amount of adversity musicians have had to face. PERIPHERY began the writing process for Periphery V back in early 2021 and we are thankful that their admirable perseverance through one of the darkest times of their career has ensured it will now finally be released on March 10th via 3DOT Recordings. Will the impact of this stressful time reflect on the new material?
It takes little time to discover the answer to that question as PERIPHERY come surging out of the blocks with ferocious intensity. Wildfire is stacked with a crushing riff assault only further amplified by frontman Spencer Sotelo‘s abrasive barrage. Melody does begin to creep into proceedings in patches, particularly in the vibrant chorus segment. If this is a sign of things to come then God help us all. Atropos continues the confident pacing whilst balancing a blend of masterful technicality and uplifting streams of elegance. It is also not afraid to unleash a powerful wave of aggression at a moment’s notice. The multi-faceted Matt Halpern is in fine form, knowing exactly when to pull the trigger on a vicious volley of blast beats for maximum effect.
Wax Wings lets the band’s creative juices gush straight into your ears. Captivating lead runs hold you in the palm of their hand. The rhythmic shifts continue to keep you on your toes as emotive piano sequences assist in completing the crisp soundscape. Everything is Fine! delves back into the gritty, dark dissonance, unleashing formidable hooks at every turn. Destructive drum work puts its emphatic stamp on the unravelling carnage. This one is certainly not for the faint hearted. The bellows of “My body is not a haven it’s a prison” leave a knot in the pit of your stomach and when that riff does in fact return but slower, you’d better hold on tight.
Silhouette provides a necessary sense of peace following on from the ruthless storm. 80s style synths offer up a comforting sensation of nostalgia. Dying Star shows similar qualities, exhibiting impressive flourishes of intricacy that reaffirm just how much talent this collective have at their fingertips. The warm, inviting colours which wash over this piece feel particularly calming. Zagreus throws this mentality aside in favour of additional rounds of bludgeoning heaviness. Blood curdling growls and demonic, blackened riffing add another weapon to their already extensive inventory. There are cracks of light which sneak through the savagery but are soon negated in favour of brutality. The closing segment feels like it could be plucked straight from a cinematic masterpiece.
The introductory segment of Dracul Gras is like a hammer right between the eyes. An immediate rush of adrenaline that prepares you for the epic voyage you’re about to embark on. The level of cohesion as this track effortlessly metamorphoses through various transitions is jaw dropping. The midway point in the track sends shivers down your spine with its haunting melodies. This chapter tees you up nicely to be floored by a monstrous blast of intensity. Thanks Nobuo keeps the momentum at optimum levels going into the finale with its energetic tempo and buoyant flow. Endearing melodies jostle for prominence with snappy grooves and instrumental acrobatics. Sotelo leaves it all on the table with his scintillating vocal range. From soaring highs to seismic lows, there is nothing he cannot do.
PERIPHERY have prided themselves on forging a career packed full of innovation and experimentation, but as you digest the instalments of Periphery V it feels like you are listening to a once in a lifetime combination of musicians who are continuing to evolve into an untouchable force. Their output may be more of a ‘passion project’ as their focus has shifted to more viable methods of financial stability but this has by no means affected their hunger or enthusiasm to show that they are, without doubt, pioneers of their craft.
Rating: 10/10
Periphery V: Djent Is Not A Genre is set for release on March 10th via 3DOT Recordings.
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