Periphery. A band that have always been ahead of the curve, with their now eponymous debut their self titled album spawned a myriad of copycats. Although not necessarily inventing the now dirty “Djent” sound they sure as hell were waving It’s flag. All throughout 2010 all I heard was Periphery this, Periphery that. Either good or bad but undeniable that everyone was talking about them.

Then came Periphery II, after covering such revolutionary ground where do you go with album number two? Unfortunately to most of the public consensus it was down. Being their own worst enemy, simply because their first album was just THAT good.

Then came the time or their EP sticking with their curveball style the band evolved ever more bringing their already advanced stages of music to new heights. Instead of just having a normal seven track EP the band decided to let each member construct their own song. Create their own piece which was just the composer. Which was a fantastic way to get to know the inner workings of the band itself also showing that every single person in the band had incredible talent and not just on their respective instrument.

Now comes Juggernaut. Metal’s wildcards announce that not only is there a new album but it will be a DOUBLE album. Which brings me to my long winded point. “ The Scourge”, quite honestly I’ve not heard Periphery le alone any other band ever sound like this. Sounding mature, driven and most importantly adventurous. With theatrical melodies along with Spencer Sotello‘s evocative singing style the song really gives the idea tension, that something big is going to happen. Mirroring the idea of the album itself where movements are set in motion by a catalyst. Being part of a grand scheme of things which only enhances the song itself. As it’s own entity the track works brilliantly but nestled in the album it will be fantastic.

Taking on such a gargantuan task of writing this album the band are able to mirror the narrative in the music. Instead of cramming in all the bat shit music in just one song “Zyglrox” I’m looking at you… They are able to truly lure the listener and get them to engage. Listen to the story and really feel the album itself giving each track the space to breathe it needs to create a grander progressive scheme.

If this is what Juggernaut will be sounding like then January can’t come soon enough. Listen to “The Scourge” the first track to be released from side one Juggernaut Alpha below.

Juggernaut will be released January 26th via Sumerian Records.