Pseudocidal began when Kevin Montgomery and Jeff Divoky were friends in high school. They dreamed of being a metal band even back then--now over 20 years ago. They played in the shed and found their sound. They remained friends over the years, played when they could and kept waiting for the day. That day is today.
According to Kevin, Jeff send him some rough charts of songs that Jeff had written and the Pseudocidal phoenix caught fire again. Anthony Petrizzo (drums) and Jay Thomas (bass) got on board quickly and they got a couple of tracks recorded that were released in October of 2012, one (“Vigilante”) as a video release. Finally, however, the EP is complete.
“Vigilante” is the anchor track of the whole album. The video release on October 26, 2012 was very well received. It is an excellent lead-off for the whole disc.
The song itself opens with Jeff’s guitar giving the “roar of the minotaur.” It turns into a good riff to pave the way for Kevin’s vocals. The lyrics are drawn from images in Greek mythology but are well-suited and intended for the 21st century’s revolt against the greed of financial institutions--the modern Minos.
According to Kevin, Jeff send him some rough charts of songs that Jeff had written and the Pseudocidal phoenix caught fire again. Anthony Petrizzo (drums) and Jay Thomas (bass) got on board quickly and they got a couple of tracks recorded that were released in October of 2012, one (“Vigilante”) as a video release. Finally, however, the EP is complete.
“Vigilante” is the anchor track of the whole album. The video release on October 26, 2012 was very well received. It is an excellent lead-off for the whole disc.
The song itself opens with Jeff’s guitar giving the “roar of the minotaur.” It turns into a good riff to pave the way for Kevin’s vocals. The lyrics are drawn from images in Greek mythology but are well-suited and intended for the 21st century’s revolt against the greed of financial institutions--the modern Minos.
“Open Palm/Closed Fist” continues the metal drive behind the intelligent and meaningful lyrics that are reminiscent of the Doors, if Jim Morrison had been backed by Metallica. Jeff Divoky has great moments and good hooks. JT and Anthony create a cool groove and these guys stay tight in the pocket.
While “Bomb, Bullet or Knife” is a hard grind on the moral disintegration that is all-too-often inescapable in the experiences of the individual soldier. It is not callous; it is tragic.
In “Renunciate” there is an occasional hint “Iron Man” in the chord shifts without being the least bit derivative. In fact, this is much of the fascination of the recording; it honors early-era metal without being restricted by its history. It is a blast into 2013 from a 1990 launch-pad.
While “Bomb, Bullet or Knife” is a hard grind on the moral disintegration that is all-too-often inescapable in the experiences of the individual soldier. It is not callous; it is tragic.
In “Renunciate” there is an occasional hint “Iron Man” in the chord shifts without being the least bit derivative. In fact, this is much of the fascination of the recording; it honors early-era metal without being restricted by its history. It is a blast into 2013 from a 1990 launch-pad.
A beautifully vicious account of historiography is found in “Timeless.” A great groove pushes Jeff into rocking this like a monster as Kevin growls in aggressive understanding, “Push out, Breathe in, Cycle back just to begin again.” The rhythm section is flawless in the execution of pushing the music forward.
“The Dogs of Pompeii” is another exposition on learning from history. Jeff skitters his lightning-effect guitar and creates an imagery that illuminates Kevin’s vocals. The song was recorded as a demo but it is extremely well-suited for inclusion on this album.
The whole recording is a display of instrumental ingenuity and vocal/lyrical honesty and transparency. This is what keeps metal alive now. It is a fresh view on the original form and performance that keeps this genre interesting and inspiring.
This is not sentimental emotionalism--it is sensory explosion that speaks from the heart and, more importantly, from the gut.
Pseudocidal's "Roots Run Deep" can be purchased here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/pseudocidal2
“The Dogs of Pompeii” is another exposition on learning from history. Jeff skitters his lightning-effect guitar and creates an imagery that illuminates Kevin’s vocals. The song was recorded as a demo but it is extremely well-suited for inclusion on this album.
The whole recording is a display of instrumental ingenuity and vocal/lyrical honesty and transparency. This is what keeps metal alive now. It is a fresh view on the original form and performance that keeps this genre interesting and inspiring.
This is not sentimental emotionalism--it is sensory explosion that speaks from the heart and, more importantly, from the gut.
Pseudocidal's "Roots Run Deep" can be purchased here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/pseudocidal2
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