The Sanity Slip fanbase was not thrilled with my review of their 2023 EP "There Is No Way to Save Us," especially since I described it as a heavy band lacking substance. Well, I have to admit, after listening to their new promo, I’m more impressed with their progress. They’re still as heavy as ever, but they’ve refined their sound and playing, making this release stand out in a more positive light.
The signature slam riffs, guttural vocals, and relentless, machine-gun drumming are still present, but there's an added level of sophistication here. What’s most noticeable is that the band has managed to break free from the repetitive patterns that defined their earlier material. This time around, they incorporate guest vocals that add a new dimension to their sound, making the songs feel more fleshed out and varied. The snare has been tightened, giving the tracks a more dynamic feel, and the trimmed-down runtimes make the songs more impactful. There’s a sense of urgency and intensity now, and the tunes stick with you longer, with a greater degree of memorability.
Take the track "Mutilated," for example—it’s perhaps the most diverse and unique song they’ve put out in their career. It stands as a testament to their ability to evolve and explore new sounds within the slam genre. The song introduces some nuances and subtleties that were previously missing, and it’s a definite highlight of the promo. That said, while the band is showing more diversity, they still tend to rely on a few familiar tricks. For instance, the signature bass drop at the end of every song remains a recurring element. Sure, it's heavy, but the repetition can feel a little redundant, and it’s clear that Sanity Slip is still leaning on a few staples that have worked for them in the past.
As for the lyrics, well, let’s just say they’re not winning any literary awards. With lines that mention the band name multiple times and throw in references to Four Loko, the lyrics aren’t exactly poetic or groundbreaking. But that’s to be expected in the world of slam—where the focus is on heaviness, brutality, and a touch of dark humor. The lyrics aren’t particularly creative or uplifting, but they fit the vibe the band is going for: raw, nasty, and intentionally disturbing. For better or worse, these are the kinds of lyrics that complement the genre and its uncompromising nature.
In conclusion, while Sanity Slip has definitely made strides in refining their sound, they’re still not pushing the genre in any groundbreaking direction. Their music remains heavy and intense, and they've done a solid job of tightening up their approach. If you take the band at face value as a group dedicated to heavy, brutal music, then their sanity hasn't slipped, and neither will yours as long as you understand what they’re about. If you’re looking for technical innovation or deep lyricism, you might want to look elsewhere, but if you're after sheer, unrelenting heaviness with a bit of humor and a lot of grit, Sanity Slip has found their groove.