Although some will say that Propagandhi are not strictly metal, Failed States is nonetheless an absolute masterpiece. Having evolved from the teen angst anthems of old to a new mature Propagandhi. Although only released two years ago, its sure that this album fell under the radar for most,a crying shame.

With some of the most interesting song writing there is in music today, with each song we move through various emotions, fast paced slow paced, dissonant and melodic, they’ve included it all. Varied styles and different pace are some of Propagandhi’s most deadly weapons, songs like the vicious “Rattan Cane” that wouldn’t sound out of place in a Dillinger Escape Plan album, whilst then being launched into old school punk of “Hadron Collision” or the progressive building of “Cognitive Suicide”.

Failed States, as mentioned before moves through so many different soundscapes an ever changing chameleon flitting between hardcore riffs, progressive interludes and scintillating solos. Whilst not only putting us through the musical obstacle course with instruments, the vocals on this album really stand out with Todd Kowalski’s vocals and Chris Hannah’s melodies fitting the perfect harmony between the often frenetic guitars and creating some real anthems of “Unscripted Moments” or sometimes talking about “Things I Like” or more serious subject matter on the absolutely incredible “Lotus Gait” easily the biggest highlight on the album.

As I mentioned before it’s a crying shame that Failed States went under so many people’s radars with every single track being essential for the album as a cohesive whole to work, giving respite when needed and adding just the right amount of depth, Propagandhi seem to have found the perfect compromise between being insanely catchy and musically challenging.

Essential.