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Psychrist – Debauching The Minions
Psychrist – Debauching The Minions
Dissident Records 2002
By Russell Garwood
Psychrist formed back in 1992 when the Australian band released a four song demo. After multiple line up changes, the band now comprises vocalist Wes, Yuri Ward on both guitar and vocals, second guitarist Nathan, Dan Marsdenon on bass and drummer Glen. The band play relatively brutal death with black metal influences and a small amount of melody.
Fast yet grinding guitars help create a sheer wall of sound over which guttural growls serve as vocals, and sporadic melodic solos help fragment the pummeling assault. The drums have refreshingly few blasts, instead opting for frequent, manic fills and intricate cymbal work, while the bass is further forward in the mix than usual. Occasional raspy vox help break possible monotony, as do infrequent samples, time changes and melodic sections.
Standouts include “Dead Emotion” for an excellent drum intro which leads into a sprawling, ferocious song, “Godfucked” for the darkly humorous opening sample and “Severance” for its catchy yet extreme guitars. My absolute favourite, however, has to be closing track and instrumental, “Harbouring The Fire” in which dual acoustic guitars weave around one another to create a beautiful, melancholic finale.
“Debauching The Minions” is the product of a technically proficient group who prove (with “Harbouring The Fire”) they can write excellent, melodic, acoustic songs. This also shows a diversity it would be nice to see them expand upon. Psychrist play the heaviest black/death hybrid I have heard in a while - the savage, numbing nature of the music can at times lead to boredom. Overall, however, this is a well rounded release.
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