The American gods of mathcore drop their fifth full-length record with little compromise on the chaos they unleash. However, they also continue to recognise riotous technical proficiency alone doesn't constitute a solid song. Over 16 years the New Jersey five-piece have managed to develop a sound that maintains a balance between intense, spastic riffage and hooky Nine Inch Nails, Faith No More-esque vocal work. One of Us is the Killer is no exception.
Opener Prancer is reminiscent of their 1999 debut Calculating Infinity with its dissonant progressions, while the title track showcases singer Greg Puciato's dynamics, including his Mike Patton-inspired vocal highs. Having released an EP with the experimental music pioneer in 2002, it's hardly surprising the band is influenced by him, with other Pattonesque moments on Hero of the Soviet Union and Paranoia Shields.
There are signature moments of mathcore on When I Lost My Bet and Magic That I Held You Prisoner, which means One of Us more or less follows an 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' formula. Which is fine, especially when you consider it continues to prove Dillinger as a band that embraces hardcore, metal, progressive and, rock audiences alike.
Stars: 4/5
Verdict: Perfectly balancing spastic intensity and hooky songwriting
Click here to buy One of Us is the Killer.
- TimeOut
