Psykopath – Primal Instinct

[schema type=”review” name=”Psykopath – Primal Instinct” description=”Label: Loyal Blood Records” author=”Sarp Esin” pubdate=”2018-08-24″ ]

Not to be confused with Psychopath with a “ch” that is also a thrash band.

Are you among those who think that thrash has run its course and re-thrash and retro-thrash and whatever trip down memory lane has pretty much run its course? Well get ready to kick it like it’s 1987, because Psykopath (with a k) is here to show you how much they believe in the essence of thrash.

Psykopath (still with a k) is a Norwegian thrash metal band who recently put out this quaint little gem, which is an honest-to-goodness, no-frills, all-thrill, as-it-was-and-forever-shall-be thrash metal album.  What this means is the following: galloping riffs and bass set to the tune of relentless skank beats and double-bass-heavy drums, lyrics belted out from the throat, solos wherever and an emphasis on things being solidly grounded.

Now there lies these youngster’s greatest strength and greatest weakness: Psykopath (yet with a k) is a thrash metal band and that’s pretty much all there is to say about that.  It’s a strength because the band has the attitude down and it is clear that they believe in thrash.  Be it the “repeat the song title” chorus of Lethal Introspect or the structure of the riffs, they clearly have talent but at the same time are bogged down very heavily by the restrictions of their chosen genre.  That’s when it becomes a weakness: Psykopath (forever with a k) while offering something solid, just doesn’t present anything new or exciting.

That said, the vocals are definitely the weak link here.  While I don’t believe thrash bands are loved for its vocalists, I also don’t believe that’s an excuse for half-assing it.  Psykopath may have what it takes in the drums and the guitars, but the vocals seem to be struggling to give it that black metal-esque quality and failing quite audibly.  The modest production does not do the vocals any favors either: the drums and the guitars are audible, but the bass just isn’t present enough and the gang shouts, when present, do not sound any more apparent or have any more force than the solo vocals.

At the end of the day, this is pretty much a demo and only has three tracks on it, and the band already makes their straightforward approach signal potential.  Watch these kids, ’cause who knows – maybe they are destined for greatness.

Line-Up:

Ivan Taule – Vocals
Johannes Andreassen- Guitar
Viljar Brunvoll – Lead Guitar
Kristian Brynjulfsen – Bass
Mats Hovden – Drums

Tracklist: 01. Lethal Introspection 02. Armageddon 03. Primal Instinct

Links:
Psykopath facebook