Illinois nu-metalcore veterans VCTMS continue their exploration of trauma, anxiety, and emotional turmoil on Pain Processing II, a release that further refines the band's blend of metalcore, deathcore, nu-metal, and hardcore influences. Built around crushing grooves, thick low-end, and deeply personal subject matter, the EP delivers plenty of heaviness while occasionally struggling to separate itself from many of the genre's modern contemporaries.

The record wastes little time making its intentions known. Opening track "twenty/eight" launches immediately into sharp riffs, booming drums, and a mixture of rap-inspired vocal cadences, mid-range screams, and high vocal fry techniques. The bass tone is one of the song's strongest assets, adding a deep foundation beneath layers of distorted guitars and massive breakdowns. The production strikes a balance between clarity and grit, allowing the riffs to maintain a satisfying amount of dirt while preserving enough separation to keep everything impactful. While the songwriting follows a fairly familiar modern metalcore formula, the combination of thick grooves and multiple vocal approaches helps elevate the track beyond standard genre fare.

"victim/mentality" featuring Heavy//Hitter leans further into deathcore territory. Squealing guitar textures and slower groove sections create an oppressive atmosphere before the song settles into a series of crushing breakdowns. The guest appearance feels natural given the similarities between both bands' approaches to heaviness, though that familiarity also makes portions of the track feel somewhat predictable. Even so, the deep gutturals, bouncing riff patterns, and massive closing breakdown provide plenty of mosh-ready energy.

One of the stronger cuts arrives with "burning/bones" featuring Extortionist. Static textures, dissonant riffs, and dynamic tempo shifts help the song stand apart from the surrounding material. The distorted guitar tone feels particularly nasty here, while the guest vocals add another layer of aggression and variation. The breakdown structure is also more creative than some of the EP's other heavy moments, incorporating unusual rhythmic choices and expressive drumming that give the track additional personality.

"bed_of_nails" offers one of the more experimental moments on the release. Opening with softer textures before gradually introducing heavier instrumentation, the song balances melody and aggression effectively. The hypnotic guitar work and layered vocal approaches create a more atmospheric feel, while a surprising rap section adds a unique twist. Although the overall structure remains familiar, the execution is strong enough to make it one of the more memorable tracks.

The Fox Lake-assisted "devil's/speak" embraces the band's nu-metal influences more openly. Metallic percussion, DJ scratches, rhythmic vocal flows, and energetic drumming create a song that feels tailor-made for live performances. The drums deserve particular praise here, delivering some of the most dynamic playing found anywhere on the EP. While the feature itself doesn't dramatically alter the track, the overall energy level remains high throughout.

"trauma/response" featuring ten56. delivers exactly the kind of dense, breakdown-heavy assault fans would expect from that collaboration. The riffs are crushing, the bass is enormous, and the guttural vocals hit with plenty of force. However, despite its undeniable heaviness, the song occasionally feels too predictable, relying on familiar genre tropes rather than pushing into new territory.

The standout moment arrives with "clip my wings." Featuring JT Gutierrez, the song immediately distinguishes itself through its emotional vulnerability and melodic focus. Clean vocals take center stage during the opening moments, showcasing a side of VCTMS that often gets overshadowed by their heavier material. The vocal performances throughout the song are exceptional, moving seamlessly between emotional singing, passionate screams, and layered harmonies. The addition of female vocal textures adds further depth, creating an atmosphere that feels genuinely moving rather than simply heavy. While the breakdowns still land effectively, it's the emotional weight of the clean sections that leaves the strongest impression. The song demonstrates that VCTMS are often at their most powerful when they embrace vulnerability alongside aggression.

Throughout Pain Processing II, VCTMS excel at creating thick grooves, crushing breakdowns, and emotionally charged performances. The bass remains consistently excellent, the drumming provides a solid backbone, and the vocal versatility helps keep the material engaging. At the same time, some songs lean heavily on established modern nu-metalcore formulas, occasionally making sections feel familiar rather than distinctive.

Still, the band's authenticity remains one of their greatest strengths. Whether delivering massive breakdowns or exploring more melodic territory, VCTMS sound genuine in their approach. The EP may not reinvent the genre, but it successfully delivers what fans have come to expect: emotionally raw, groove-heavy heaviness with enough personality to keep listeners invested.