EP Premiere: Replicant – Hypochondria of the Machine
HEY PUNK. ARE YOU TUFF E’NUFF TO LISTEN TO SOME GODDAMN DEATH METAL.
Let’s do this. Two tracks of New Jersey death metal that’s dead set on destruction. Hypochondria of the Machine downplays some of the skronkier aspects of Replicant’s previous releases and pushes the knobs on the low end til they can’t go no further. The result sounds slower, more intentional, and undeniably heavy. “Hymns of Distress” is bookended by a stuttering chug that immediately brings to mind the syncopated, bass-driven agony of Admiral Angry (RIP Daniel Krauss). Worry not, Replicant stalwarts, as the lead guitar is allowed space to go completely ape shit as the rhythm section handles a lock-step focus on increasingly demented passages. “Limbic Thrust” pushes the band into further the meat-headed territory I fully appreciate. You’ve got (A) a bass drop (B) a dive bomb and (C) pick scrapes. Get your fill of chunky riffage and drop kick the water cooler in the break room. IT’S THE FUCKING HOLIDAYS. WHY ARE THEY MAKING YOU PRETEND TO WORK??
The best part? It’s all available to you. Right now. Head on over to Replicant’s Bandcamp and pick up Hypochondria of the Machine. And tell ’em Joe sent ya. *syncopated tommy gun sounds*
