The Rock Blogger

Pyramids. Pyramids 2008. Hydra Head. 4.5 stars.

If the term ‘bliss-metal’ doesn’t make you cringe too much, then I would use it to describe Pyramids, an experimental metal/shoegaze band from Texas that follows with the heavy ambient drones of label mates Jesu. Like the work of Justin K. Broadrick, The Angelic Process and the more abstract efforts of Georgia’s Deerhunter, Pyramids play ethereal and occasionally noisy jams that are rich in buried melodies, hidden amongst layers of electronic sounds, fuzzed out guitars and blasting drum rolls. The crushing waves of sound pour out with drugged emotional intensity, as distant vocals glide across the industrial clamor like colorful ghosts.

Pyramids may be drawing on familiar influences, like My Bloody Valentine and Japanese psychedelic rock, but the take their sound to higher abstract planes with greater concision and catharsis. They manage to push their songs into astral territory without becoming too noisy or rough-edged - their reliance on pleasant and soaring vocals in the mix balances the catastrophic with purifying release. Pyramids also know how to contain and direct their energy, as their songs manage to sound full and unique without pushing past the four minute mark. Each track sounds complete and packed with strange and exciting ideas, their intensity preserved as the band moves from one fire to the next without burning themselves out.

The album is currently available in a 2CD package, the second disc being a collection of remixes featuring some pretty interesting contributions, including the likes of Jesu, black metal band Blut Aus Nord, and noise rocker Birchville Cat Motel. Each effort takes the haunting atmosphere Pyramids provides and then spins it in a unique direction that expresses that artist’s distinct abilities. In short, a wet-dream for post-metal fans.

In conclusion, Pyramids’ debut album is focused, captivating and intensely psychedelic. While their self titled is a rather short album, the accompanying remixes will be sure to satisfy listeners itching for more. Certainly one of the more promising acts to emerge out of the newly christened ‘bliss-metal’ scene.

This entry was posted on Monday, April 28th, 2008 at 1:22 pm and is filed under Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.