Search - Periphery :: Periphery

Periphery laying a blueprint for future metal

Kenny Roy | Peterborough, On, Canada | 04/30/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album on first listen just feels like something is missing. And i can tell you that i felt that way for at least 2 or 3 listens through. And what i realized is that the same thing happens when anything new is introduced to you but is too much for you to comfortably grasp and enjoy at that time.



Then after continuing to listen (The incredible musicianship on this album is unlike anything i have ever heard and is enough to keep anyone listening), something clicked. This happens alot, especially with any thing progressive. We need to digest what we're hearing and this simply can't be done with one listen (especially on this debut where so much is going on).



The first three tracks, Insomnia, The Walk, and Letter Experiment, feature beastly polyrhythms that will sensually make love to your ear drums through to your cerebellum. Plenty of fantastic licks and fills and rhythm changes continually keep your more than amused as move through these tracks. The singing is initially what deterred me a bit, but as you listen (and although the singing could improve) the high cleans and throaty growls do suffice and blend into the chaotic and masterfully crafted structures.



Song 4 jetpacks was yes is the first change in pace, and is more of a modern metal ballet, high vocals and somewhat ambient playing that builds throughout.



Songs 5 6 and 7 (Light, All New Materials and Buttersnips) seem to take the best of both heavy and lighter ambient components of the previous tracks and light and buttersnips are standout tracks.



I'm sure Icarus Lives (Track 8) has been heard by anyone who has ever youtubed this band, solid song that has a groovy riff throughout. This track also ends with a comical vocal description of the band and the music they play. Definately worth a listen!



9,10 and 11 (Totla Mad, Ow My feelings, and Zyglrox) are gorgeously structured and VERY technical metal songs that really fit the album well and in my opinion are perfect indications of the musical direction Periphery is taking.



Track 12, Racecar, is without doubt in my mind the greatest song on this album despite clocking in at over 15 minutes. This song is a Prog masterpiece for the ages. While SOME songs have sections and bits that feel redundant and unecessary, this song utilizes and maximizes all fifteen and a half minutes of its duration. Perfect transitions through heavy meshuggah-like riffs into light ambient pieces with fantastic singing by Spencer.



Take my word for it, if your deterred at a first listen, give this album a second and maybe third chance. Its blatantly incredible musicianship will draw you in and the incredible structures and sections of its 12 songs will keep you hooked. 4.5 Stars"

Breakthrough Album Of The Year

C. M. Gillum | Michigan | 04/22/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Formed back in 2005 Periphery is a band many have been waiting patiently to release their first full length album. I am one of those people, having followed the band for a couple years now and seen them live twice I can honestly say this band could be "The Next Big Thing" in the Metal industry. Opening for well known acts like DevilDriver, God Forbid and Fear Factory it goes without saying that the band's following has only gotten larger.



Spencer Sotelo's style of vocals might be a bit odd at times but overall this is a very.. Very minuscule offset to some of the best musicianship i have heard by a newer group in years. Whether it be the chugging riffs or the constantly epic flowing leads it is in fact the guitars that drive this machine. The leads go from chaotic tapping to melodic acoustics and back to the strange time signature riffs in seconds. And the breakdown/solo's are excellent.



Drummer and skin master Matt Halpern deserves significant recognition for tossing out some extremely eclectic patterns yet keeping a balanced and not to overwhelming level of chaos on the skins. Listen to the now extremely popular track 'The Walk' to hear some of Halpern's best work especially when the guitar solo kicks in, he truly brings his A game.



All in all, this isn't the greatest album ever nor the most eclectic group I have ever heard. However they match the odd times signatures and chaotic leads of bands like Cynic, The Faceless and the monster that is Meshuggah yet keep a degree of catchiness all these bands fail to grasp that doesn't weaken the musicianship yet can bring in new fans of genre's more timid. It is safe to say the wait was worth it and we can all expect great things from Periphery in the future."

The Djentlemen in periphery have made quite a breakthrough

Daren P. Walker | 04/22/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been following periphery for a while. after stumbling on the song "icarus lives" on youtube i have been very impressed by them and this album shines. Their former singer was great and quite vocally suited to this type of music but the singer who made the current lineup and the one singing for this record, Sotello, is great too in his own right. Some people havent agreed with that after hearing Casey Sabol but Chris Sotello puts forth a lot of emotion and seems to an amazing singer as far as im concerned.



The musicianship is amazing. the guitar parts are brutal yet composed. reminded me of killswitch engage and meshuggah mashed together. They have made a killer impression on me.



PS. there is an appearance by Jeff Loomis (Nevermore) on the song racecar. the solo he gives around 10:15 made my mouth fall open!!!



Great job from the Djentlemen in periphery!"