Album Review: Psycroptic - As The Kingdom Drowns

Having taken dizzying levels of technicality seemingly as far as possible while still remaining listenable via 2006's Symbols Of Failure, recently Psycroptic has increasingly learnt the value of elements like groove and hooks. Essentially, writing actual songs and affording them room to breathe.

While these facets are also prominent on the Tasmanian death metallers' seventh full-length – the record is a veritable riff monster, and some of their catchiest fare yet - As The Kingdom Drowns also further engages in dark, foreboding atmosphere. Opener We Were The Keepers acknowledges the past while also indicating a path forward. Machine gun-style riffage, brutal blast-beats and a crushing syncopated breakdown mesh with female vocals injecting a classy, symphonic-like touch.

From there, the record proves remarkably consistent in its proverbial battering, while also being their most diverse offering yet. Directive slows the pace down somewhat, but bristles with Joe Haley's frantic fretwork. Upon These Stones' doomy riff is a standout; ditto the haunting title track and less technically–focused, yet still staggering Deadlands. Meanwhile, furious closer You Belong Here, Below sends all and sundry home satisfied.

At a recent gig prior to this release, this scribe overheard an uninitiated punter quiz his friend regarding which acts Psycroptic sound like. This LP reinforces that the answer remains the same as on that night – "nobody". After 20 years, that's a substantial achievement.