Beast Modulus: Being

Being is the second EP release from Brooklyn's Beast Modulus, the band taking a step forward in terms of ambition and sound, as they hammer their way through a varied helping of math metal that often sparks into a metalcore state of mind. Opener "Twrk" twists and grinds, the heaviest offering only interested in vocal growls, although through a southern groove tendency it also walks a tightrope between brutal and complex. "Accustomed To Dysfunction" sits on a slightly looser riff, the power of this EP coming from the lack of fear shown by Beast Modulus when the opportunity to reveal a different side to their attack appears. The scathing vocals and howling guitars of "Barnburner" continue the journey down that path, darting fret bursts and rolling toms leading the way for some clean singing to change the mood further; harmony vocals and an almost catchy guitar motif somehow all encompassed into a sound that still lands on your head like an angry mammoth with a shampoo fetish.

"Running Backwards" may be the most overtly prog-math pound on show, the dextrous nature and eye for a tangent veering dangerously close to losing orientation, something "Skeleton Key" shows this band can also achieve with a slightly less chaotic kick to the guts. Closer, "Everything's Shocking", contradicts by being the least unsettling offering on show, a much more readily welcoming riff and groove the basis for an early Architects meets Muse power house.

Being is not for the faint hearted, or indeed for those who like catchy over courageous. That said, Beast Modulus can do both. They don't always choose to show it, but the memorable foundations from which the more overtly dangerous offshoots ignite into a raging, destructive inferno, is what keeps this universally impressive outing from the tumble into indulgence.

Track Listing
1. !TWRK!
2. Accustomed to Dysfunction
3. Barnburner
4. Skeleton Key
5. Running Backwards
6. Everything's Shocking

Added: June 17th 2017
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Being on bandcamp
Hits: 1188
Language: english

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