So for a band who’ve been together since 2008, Dublin based thrashers Psykosis have been influenced by Tool’s work rate as ‘Welcome to the Psyko Ward’ is their debut album….
They’re playing Bloodstock this year (not for the first time) and let’s be honest here – for an independent band to get back there a second time in 3 years probably gives you a hint at what the quality is like here.
Opener ‘Rise to Fall’ sounded familiar to these ears but had just enough of a contemporary feel to not leave me feeling like it’s 1986. I can’t believe how long it took me to figure out who vocalist/lead guitarist Grant Walsh reminds me of but I finally got there – Michael Coons with just a hint of John Connolly. NOTE: Meant in a hugely complimentary way as 2 of the most under-rated thrash bands from the peak of the genre.
‘Hunt to Kill’ next with some modern proper hc/punk influence before ‘Driller Killer’ with its slightly disturbing effects but some frankly wonderful pit inducing sections make it probably the album’s high point for me and show the rhythm section of Jay Shaw on bass & drummer Tom Moylan at their best. ‘Mortar Platoon’ being angrier and faster and ‘Tag Your Dead’ being about, well, Zombies are both great tunes too before ‘Terror at 3am’ with its classic style intro and metal horns raised kind of chorus.
Album closer ‘Toxic Fugitive’ with its BURN IN HELL chorus alongside some heads down riffing from Tony Corcoran & Grant is a great way to finish the album off. All indications are these guys are something special live so will undoubtedly be a worthwhile addition to BS2016 and indeed any metal line up.
If you like your thrash metal honest and with just enough variation to wonder what’s coming next these guys are for you. But do us a favour please Psykosis – Tool can get away with one album every 8 years….please don’t keep us waiting so long next time!
Released 16th September 2016
If you like your thrash metal honest and with just enough variation to wonder what’s coming next these guys are for you.
