Work ethic can be a band’s true secret weapon. A relentless touring schedule, bountiful ideas and a diligent approach can be just some of a band’s most essential tools. Harnessing the power of the modern day, innovators Periphery return once again a mere year after delivering their conceptual tour de force Juggernaut. Building on their understanding both within music itself and the band dynamic Periphery return with what could be arguably their most cohesive record to date, Select Difficulty.
[tracklist]01. The Price Is Wrong
02. Motormouth
03. Marigold
04. The Way The News Goes…
05. Remain Indoors
06. Habitual Line Stepper
07. Flatline
08. Absolomb
09. Catch Fire
10. Prayer Position
11. Lune[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]66:00[/length]
[record_label]Century Media Records[/record_label]
[release_date]July 22nd 2016[/release_date]
[/details]
Acting as the progressive octopus, Periphery are able to shrink themselves into the smallest crevace or slip through the tiniest musical nook. Throwing back to self titled era, opening gambits “The Price Is Wrong” and “Motormouth” set a deceptive tone to the record of sheer aggression, hiding the actual blueprint of an exploration in melody throughout the album. Previously experimenting with the idea of musical narrative Periphery throw caution to the wind combining narrative with their near faultless song writing bringing a truly cinematic experience to the listener.
Working in tandem with the absolutely anthemic choruses of “Marigold” for the first time orchestration is introduced. Yet like all things Periphery used in a unique, forward thinking manner creating an evolving motif throughout the record. A technique highlighting specific moments recalling melodies that the ear is accustomed to not only creates a fantastic sense of continuation but makes for an undefeatable climax exhibited in the emotive “Lune“. the signature gymnastic cleans seamlessly motion us into “The Way The News Goes…” after their almost memorial style outro before the oaky tones of of Periphery’s guitars. Juxtaposing the likes of blast beats with bright sounding chords give the songs a joi de vie with a contrastingly heavy backdrop against a bright melody.
Yet it’s not all about effects, “Flatline” moves back to a basics approach with possibly some of the most inspired lyrics of Sotelo’s career. A chorus based on the word play of “Let go“. Is our protagonist letting go physically, mentally? Is he being let go by someone or something? A simple dynamic that makes for a meticulously crafted chorus. Nevertheless it doesn’t take away from the bouncy ball thrown into a guitar room bombast of “Habitual Line Stepper“. Fidgeting guitar riffs are ever present in the likes of “Absolomb” for those who are the more die hard fan, however Sotello’s limitless vocal range makes a phenomenal appearance similarly to the shimmering “Remain Indoors” once again recalling this motif to creative a truly emotive aura. Periphery have created an album that is a synthesis of the band’s past present and most importantly future. Rewriting the rulebook all over again this mouldable octopus has once again reemerged from their original form to deliver an album that is compelling, enthralling and absolutely essential for any fan of modern metal and it only took them a year. Welcome to the future of Progressive Metal.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]Capitalising on their creative output both recently and in their past Periphery have made a record that could very well be regarded as the band’s best and a contender for album of the year.[/why]
If you like what you read / heard then you can pick up the brand new album here!
