ALBUM REVIEW: Loop Of Yesterdays – Azusa

Such was the critical success of metal super-group AZUSA‘s debut record Heavy Yoke that the four piece were always certain to double down on the obscure, yet expansive palette they’d forged for themselves. Even with that said though, for a band that reaches into so many varying areas – the concept of replication was never going to apply when it came to a successor. And as AZUSA move on to album two, you can rest assured Loop of Yesterdays feels equally as unstable.

One of the quartets marmite selling points is their openly obtuse nature – AZUSA are the antithesis of casual listening. Their frenetic pace, often set by drummer/producer David Husvik has a knack of grinding against the mystical vocals of Eleni Zafiriadou in a way that’s as uncomfortable as it is fascinating. It’s a play style that predictably runs through the spine of Loop of Yesterdays, though that’s where the albums predictability ends.

Part chaos, part seance – like its predecessor Loop of Yesterdays hits the accelerator from the off. The one-two of Memories of an Old Emotion and One Too Many Times force a mixture of heaving kick drum, and heavy metal rhythms down your throat, only Zafiriadou‘s occasional chimes give a few seconds rest bite: it’s exhilarating if not tiresome.

Most impressive here is how you’ll stumble across fragments of almost every formula of metal you love. The opening riffs of both Monument and Kill – Destroy sound like they were air lifted out of late 90’s MACHINE HEAD, while Seven Demons Mary is a shoe-in for ROLO TOMASSI obsessives. AZUSA always manage to leave their bullish stamp on proceedings though, the dull tones of Skull Chamber echo the openings of Every Day is Exactly the Same by NINE INCH NAILS before changing its rhythmic pattern exhaustively.

Loop of Yesterdays‘ inability to be anything but a challenging listen is inescapable at times, but by the same token that feels like it was always set to be the bands mantra. Tracks like Golden Words and Rapture Boy simply can’t thrive as background soundtracks, and this is a record that either wants all of your attention, or none of it at all. Pre-existing fans will be all too aware of this going in, but for those that may stumble across the album: a vast amount of what’s on offer here will get lost in translation.

With AZUSA marching forward in their own, unique format, Loop of Yesterdays is a solid accompaniment to the bands weaponry. Intentionally rough around the edges, with an albeit occasional drop into self-indulgence: this is an intelligent, unique experience that continues to set the band apart from their peers.

Rating: 7/10

Loop of Yesterdays is set for release April 10th via Indie Recordings/Solid State Records. 

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