For a band who previously played fearsome and violent music (their first vinyl album was just 13 songs in 13 minutes), Ceremony sure do a fine line in slower, more menacing mantras.
On their third album the Californian hardcore punk band take a more refined and measured approach compared to the mongrel mix of bludgeoning and frenzied noise they came up with in the past.
And though they are still quite often up to their noisy and rowdy sonic mischief on Zoo, they sound at their most unique and intriguing on the exotic prowl of Hotel, or the slovenly Repeating the Circle (with searing, siren-like guitar harmonics).
Though Brace Yourself initially lives up to its name with a relentless wail and wall of guitars, it pulls back into a delicate meander, before taking off again into a finger and brain-shredding lather.
The beauty of Zoo is that Ceremony hang on to the caustic and brazen recklessness of their sound and the physicality of their delivery, while still being more inviting. It's the sound of a band that has found what they do best, and though it also has moments of being derivative, it's thrilling.
