Encephalon - Psychogenesis

I'm going to set up the typical scenario where you wake up in a different place other than your own bed. Not necessarily because of hangover or drugs or even a kidnapping; rather you just find yourself in a futuristic state, exiting a cryo chamber from a long hibernation. Upon exiting, you feel the floor shake with an otherworldly beat, one that both shocks and rocks you to your very core. This music comes from behind a shut door with an eye scanner. Upon coming to the scanner, it reads your eyes, and you are granted entry. The doors open, and what you see is completely shocking.

An entire space colony is raving, dancing, and just completely rocking out to the gigantic digital rock opera that's being performed before their eyes. The three piece group absolutely stuns the crowd, making them even more volatile with each passing song. And the three that showcase their epic tunes and musical talent are Matt, 5am, and Alis, who are collectively known as Encephalon.

In all other words, if the future is to be filled with any sort of music, I do hope that this trio is fully involved with the industrial takeover. Psychogenesis is the latest album from this band, and shall release in exactly twenty days from now. And, if within twenty days from now you haven't at least put this album on your "I need to listen to this" list, then you are living life wrong.

Psychogenesis Zero begins off the album, with some lovely drum work coordinating with some electronic ridden flair, quickening the pace throughout. Distorted vocals mix with somewhat cleaner, yet still cyborg like chords with crunchy guitar work. In any other sense, this song serves as a delicious slice to a tasty dinner; much more epic sounds will be served throughout this three course meal.

Desertropolis pits out angry drum work with some ambient structures, and gritty but tough vocals. This is definitely a song that you can stomp to, even when it gets a little softer. Illuminate goes in a much different route, going for a more cyber-rock sort of song. The EBM bassline shines right through, and passionate, digitally touched chords make the song come straight to life.

Outbreaker takes form in metal, shattering some expectations but also taking the time to deliver softer parts which focus on electronic aspects rather than slamming guitar notes. Do not expect the typical shit cyber-metal that so many bands plague the genre with; this is quality material. Starscorch kicks it down a notch and goes straight for industrial rock, filled with cleaner chords and the like.

Genomica has an ambient structure built right around it, funded through efforts by a new, beautiful set of vocals that can be as strong as they are soft and comforting. Only Biological continues the major theme that's been carried through the album, upping the drum'n'bass to make a much more frenzied song. Also, the guitar work can perfectly follow the enraging vocals to a T at points.

Ultimate Breed definitely is one for any of you cyber ravers out there; futuristic sounds take over the song and a delicious EBM flavored track comes to life. I don't have much to say about Malkuth other than that some of the dragged out synths were pulled off well.

Ecophagy arguably is one of the darkest songs on the album; it almost plays out like a well off war machine driven track, and for that, I fucking loved every bit of it. Seriously, the diversity in this album is absolutely stunning. The Descent brings back more electrorock flavored sounds that have been previously visited in the album, but still sounds unique altogether. Lastly, Adam and Eve present a lovely final bit, focusing majorly on piano work to help deliver along more emotionally packed lyrics; if ever there were a heartfelt goodbye, it would be felt in this song.

And, by the time you're done listening to this album, or, going back to my beginning analogy, by the time the space rave has ended, everyone is well off, happy, and completely energized from the music that came off this album. As you reenter the cryo chamber, you're teleported back to the present. But, you've nothing to fear; you've experienced the future, and you couldn't be more excited for it than you are now.

Definitely treat your ears to this album; it's a rare delicacy that only comes around every so often. Apr 05 2015