Have you ever found yourself drawn to something you thought you would dislike, only to realize you're captivated by it? This is exactly the experience you’ll have with Collapsed Skull's latest album—a chaotic, unorthodox, and avant-garde piece of work that defies convention in the most fascinating way. From the abrasive, eye-catching album cover to the jarring song titles and erratic soundscapes, it’s a wild, almost rebellious work of art. The band blends heavy powerviolence hardcore with hip-hop samples and unsettling sound clips, creating an atmosphere that feels both disorienting and unsettling. Yet, the more you listen, the more its strange allure pulls you in. By the end of the record, you’ll find yourself yearning to revisit it, dissecting its intricacies.
A prime example of this is the track “Opioid Scourge,” which embodies the controlled chaos of the album. It has a raw, unrefined quality with deep basslines, intense drumming, and a peculiar lack of guitars, while the frenzied vocals inject an extra layer of tension. Other tracks like “War Monger,” “Sniping Pigz,” and “Hollow Smile” follow a similar pattern of being messily constructed yet strangely mesmerizing. It’s like watching a car crash unfold in slow motion—you know you should look away, but you can’t.
The songs span from pure chaos to unexpected grooves, like on “Bullets Cast by Jehovah” and “Totalitarian.” The lack of prominent guitars throughout the album is notable; the bass takes center stage, heavy and omnipresent, providing a grounding force amidst the mayhem. The drumming is relentless, fast, and precise, creating a sense of urgency and stamina that never seems to fade. Vocally, the variety is impressive, with guttural growls and high-pitched vocal fries adding layers of intensity. "Domestic Terror" is a standout in this regard, showcasing just how distinct and powerful the vocal performance is.
Collapsed Skull’s latest will undoubtedly divide listeners—it’s a sonic experience that will leave you either enthralled or perplexed. Whether you love it or hate it, you can’t deny that this record makes you feel something deeply, forcing you to engage with it on a level that few albums do.
RATING: 8/10
NOTABLE TRACKS:
Bullets Cast By Jehovah
Feats Of Subjection
Domestic Terror
Dreamless Error