Oxford, UK progressive metal band Perception have released a new EP titled “Collapse” which combines elements of prog, metalcore and some neat groove based heavy riffs and drum patterns.
I’m not a fan of the metalcore stuff to be honest aside from Killswitch Engage who pretty much laid the groundwork for many of the bands that came in their wake. Which is why this EP release from UK band Perception surprised me as I feel they have done a great job in combining an metalcore influenced sound with what is predominantly a super progressive style.
Immediate comparisons will be made to such acts as Periphery and Suicide Silence but with their occasional proggy chord bending riffs like in tracks such as the opening song “Delusions” which will envoke thoughts of Meshuggah, those comparisons only touch on bits and pieces of their influences so you get a fairly wide range of some of those extreme progressive stuff. There are electronic components also to be found here which add a nice touch to some parts and only embellish the riffs for effect and not overpower it which I was glad to see, songs like the title track “Collapse” use it to great effect and in particular with it’s crazy fretwork on the guitars.
There’s also some melody happening here just to add some dynamics to the mix, “Heartburn” a great example of it’s subtle use together with some occasional clean vocals which is a fairly common thing used too often in many metalcore releases. Here the band only use it when needed just as they do with many of the different elements they try to incorporate into the music.
Like I said metalcore is not really my thing and despite Perception not really belonging in that genre exclusively, it somehow works here together with a strong progressive metal sound. “Collapse” is definitely worth checking out just for it’s technical prowess alone but you will find that musically this is a solid EP release overall.
