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Psychoprism: R.I.S.E.

Power Metal

3.5/5.0

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Pure Steel Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 15.12.2021 | Released: 03.12.2021

America isn't exactly the home or haven for traditional power metal these days; it's largely found in the European theater. But Psychoprism hails from the New York/New Jersey area, home to other such powerful metal bands like Symphony X. We last heard from the quintet with 2016's Creation. Now, after a five year hiatus the band, with the same personnel I might add, returns with their second effort, R.I.S.E..

Psychoprism

So let's get to what I know. This is power metal, plain and simple. The songs are largely fast and heavy wherein they leap from the gate and gallop to the guitar solos. Which are basically pretty fandamntastic across this album. There's a layer of synths across the songs as well which, for the most part, seem to add more density and texture than anything else. Sometimes the rise in forefront as with Beyond The Perceived and Turbulence. But than the riffs and rhythm section take over and away we go. Vocalist Jess Rittgers has a traditional metal style with articulation wrapped up in volume and scream. I find him kind of gnarly, but that's just me. More melodic vocals have always been my thing. Finally, I suspect that the album may have an overarching concept or theme, but without the lyrics or additional information, I'm just spit-balling here. All said, for American power metal with gallop, groove, and fantastic guitar work Psychoprism and R.I.S.E. is the real deal, if not, perhaps, a little predictable. If you dig the genre or the band, you will not be disappointed. Recommended.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

For American power metal with gallop, groove, and fantastic guitar work Psychoprism and R.I.S.E. is the real deal, if not, perhaps, a little predictable. If you dig the genre or the band, you will not be disappointed. Recommended.

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Here's a fun fact about Swiss legends, Gotthard: their last 16 releases, excepting their debut album, went to number one in their home country, making them one of Switzerland's most successful acts and ... [ Read More ]

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