Genre: Black Metal
We've already given Death Shroud positive reviews for their previous albums, "Death, Slavery and the Pursuit of Sadness" (2021) and "Parhelion" (2023). Since their self-titled debut EP in 2009, the band has demonstrated great consistency in their releases and, above all, solid musical coherence. This is further confirmed with their latest EP, "Periaqueductal Gray," a work inspired by the panic, terror, and fear that lurk in the human mind.
The first track, "Amygdala," is very tight, featuring almost Grindcore-like riffs, with vocals often following the rhythmic guitar and fast-paced drum programming. The second track, "Fight or Flight," also has an extreme structure: short and fast, with impeccable guitar riffing, followed by bass that is, however, barely present in the mix. "PFC" is a track characterized by very interesting stops and starts, embellished with sublime guitar phrasing and solos; the vocals are also excellent, alternating between screams, growls, and spoken parts. With "Limbic Atrophy," we delve into Thrash/Death Metal influences, where the guitarist's technical prowess once again shines through. "Toxic Graveyard" is a song that alternates slow, reflective moments with typical accelerations of the band's style, thus increasing the variety of the work. The album concludes with the title track, a slow, instrumental piece supported by exquisite melodies and intertwining guitar work.
Despite its short length, Periaqueductal Gray is an extremely intense EP that makes you want to listen to it again immediately. This band doesn't disappoint once again, proving to be a reliable performer.
S.A.M.A.
