In August, Australian technical death metallers Psycroptic appeared live in London supporting Cryptopsy and Brujeria so it comes as a surprise that the Tasmanian devils have returned just over a month later, this time for a headlining jaunt of England. A leading name in the technical circuit, this year saw the release of their self-titled sixth album, effortlessly gripping commendation from the death metal world.
Some may recognise familiar faces in supports Meta-Stasis because this extreme metal troupe is a rebirth from the carcasses of the bands Ted Maul and Sikth. Tonight they are serving up heavy doses of mechanical death metal, permeated with a subtle industrial edge. The growls of vocalist Solomon J Lucifer Christ are particularly sinister and bass-y, occasionally morphing to a higher black metal style pitch, while guitarist Techtonic Grind Machine utilises heaving riffing alongside headbanging rhythms. The spectators are entertained although not dramatically; while Meta-Stasis may have a formidable stage presence, the music itself is deficient of creative ideas in the extreme metal microcosm. With just two full-length releases sporting their name, perhaps the band can weave more developed ideas into their repertoire.
Launching straight into their calculated death metal, Psycroptic's assault takes no prisoners with memorably intricate guitar and drum work. Sole guitarist Joe Haley remains furiously occupied throughout the set, issuing out pronounced flurries of notes, a good sense of unconventional melody, harmonics and headbanging riffs where appropriate. His brother David Haley relentlessly thrashes the drum skins with varying styles rather than simply banking on sheer speed and double bass drumming. Jason Peppiatt's vocals are not as guttural as a traditional death metal vocalist's are, instead favouring a synthesis between shouts and barks, teeming with bellicosity,while exhibiting an exuberant presence on such a cramped stage.
The turnout is undeservedly low, perhaps related to their appearance not so long ago and the indolence of punters in the scene reluctant to go to a mid-week venture but those present are captivated by the performance and indulge in an abundance of headbanging as the quartet work their way through the likes of new numbers 'Cold', 'Echoes to Come' and 'The World Discarded' in addition to slightly older selections including 'Ob(Servant)', 'The Sleepers Have Awoken'and 'Carriers of the Plague' – the crux of the setlist relaying on their last three albums. While much tech death metal can be intentionally chaotic, Psycroptic's creation is effectively structured, avoiding the 'riff salad' abuse that results in technical artists forsaking memorability in favour of their accomplished exhibition. When the set concludes, the crowd is eager for more but suitably awestruck from what they have witnessed and reluctantly leaves the dark venue.
It may be ambitious setting up a tour of this country only just over a month since the last one but Psycroptic are frequent additions to tour supports as opposed to experiencing headling slots. Tonight was a fantastic opportunity for those who have followed these Australians for a long time or are dedicated fans eager to see them play for longer than a support's set. The attendees may not have been ramming the venue but it was a fantastic show nonetheless with technical ability and musicianship that is scarce in the metal world generally, let alone live in England.
FUTURE GIGS
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