SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: POLYPHIA – REMEMBER THAT YOU WILL DIE

Polyphia
Remember That You Will Die
Rise Records

When looking at heavyweight metal bands like Polyphia, it’s easy to see why they are not only one of the biggest instrumental acts in the genre but also in the world. Since they came onto the scene, no other band has been able to effortlessly genre blend so many gorgeous technical guitar melodies, hip-hop, and tenebrous and engaging soundscapes that each time create an experience like no other. Always one to diversify the genre playing field when we feel bands have done it all, Polyphia is here to prove that there is always more ground to cover with their new release, Remember That You Will Die.

Polyphia starts the record off with “Genesis” featuring Brasstracks. Something that remains consistent throughout the album, even at the beginning, is their melodic structure and technical runs, while beautiful with the pairing of the trumpets in this first experience, it also demonstrates how far the Texas quartet is willing to go to push their dynamic music vision.

This decadence continues with “Playing God” and “The Audacity,” featuring Anomalie. Polyphia has always been a band that doesn’t hold back when it comes to showcasing their talent, and each experience reveals an unrivaled eccentric side that is not only warmly inviting in its delivery but also rhythmically enjoyable.

“Reverie” is another deeply satisfying juncture that keeps the record very exuberant as it moves to other candy-coated pop numbers on the album, “ABC,” featuring Sophia Black, and “Fuck Around And Find Out,” featuring $not. The energies turn tenebrous and gritty with moments like “Momento Mori,” featuring Killstation. With lovely soundscape callbacks to their last album New Levels New Devils, the integrations feel nostalgic but upgraded.

Highlight “Neurotica” will dazzle the listener’s ears as it is peppered with so many different melodies and guitar lines, it’s hard not to be pleased with this track as it leads into Latin-infused guitar beauty, “Chimera”, featuring Lil West. The dark and sinister vibes return with “Bloodbath”, featuring Chino Moreno, before coming to a close with the atmospherically engaging finale, “Ego Death”, featuring Steve Vai. Fascinatingly heavy and incredibly distinct at every turn within this track, “Ego Death” serves as the best example on this record as to why this band is one of the best in the genre at what they do.

Remember You Will Die has taken all the best parts of Polyphia and beautifully showcased them in a more matured and upgraded fashion. Grandiose and extravagant, each experience feels fresh but retains the same grooves and technical prowess they are so good at replicating on each release. If you thought New Levels New Devils put them on another level dexterity, Remember You Will Die has put them on an entirely different realm within the genre.

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