Periphery is one of the best progressive metal acts performing right now, and you’d be crazy not to listen to their new album Periphery V: Djent Is Not A Genre. Taking inspiration from a slew of genres, and crafting epic songs like poets, Periphery are proving once again that quality and quantity can be one in the same. If you’re a fan of prog metal, I can guarantee you’ll dig this entry into their discography.
Opening on a splitting track, “Wildfire” is a forceful explosion of sounds, utilizing everything and anything at their disposal. The 7 minute track is a beatdown that pulverizes the listener by a display of heavy instrumentals, genre-bending tactics, and killer vocals. A break in the song lends itself to a little jazz session, which flows perfectly on the song. Technical guitars mixed with chugging aggression completely decimates this song, leaving a pile of rubble and a perfect starting point for Periphery V.
Each track is a dissection of metal, combining bits and pieces to make a Frankenstein’s Monster of the genre, but instead of a terrorizing force, it’s a masterful display of musical prowess, understanding, and technical ability. Songs like “Zagreus” and “Thanks Nobuo” achieve this great feat, beginning at one end of the spectrum, and ending on something completely different sounding. Periphery V is a testament to how good Periphery is at what they do.
There isn’t much Periphery can’t do, and Periphery V is a perfect example of that. They are master musicians, providing near flawless production and excellent writing in their newest endeavor. If you’re looking for a metal album that provides some of the best contemporary music in the genre, look no further than this album. You won’t regret it.
Be sure to check out Periphery V: Djent Is Not A Genre out now, via 3DOT Recordings.
Check it out here.
