BLEEDING

I don't think Travis Smith needs an introduction here. He went on to do some of the best artwork in recent metal history (Opeth, Katatonia, Anathema, Iced Earth,...). Psychotic Waltz however might be a band you still need to discover and this is the album you could pick up for that purpose.

The first thing you come to notice from looking at the play list is that with 11 songs in 41 minutes, Psychotic Waltz abided by the concise song writing of Mosquito. However, when you start to listen another story is revealed. Right from the first second of Faded, Psychotic Waltz have got their fire back! Not only is the opener faster then anything on Mosquito, it also burns bright with the musical passion of 5 exceptionally gifted talents.

Especially Buddy Lackey is in great shape and delivers some of his most passionate and convincing vocals ever. Locust and Morbid are, even in their condensed 3 minute 30 length, masterpieces of poignant progressive rock. But also Dan Rock and Brian McAlpin got their heads cleared again and throughout the album they shred through some of their best harmonic leads ever.

Also with this Psychotic Waltz album, I went through quite a change in appreciation. Contrary to Mosquito however, I was only mildly enthused upon its release. But I have kept playing it more regularly and hearing it today it still sounds surprisingly fresh and inspired. The songs are shorter and have more traditional rock structures, but as they are so inspired again, what is the harm in that?

The album testifies of their big love for Jethro Tull and on multiple occasions it struck me how huge the influence of Psychotic Waltz must have been on a band like Opeth. Unfortunately, for Psychotic Waltz themselves, the journey ended here. Dan Rock formed the disappointing Darkstar and Buddy Lackey finally remembered his real name and started Dead Soul Tribe, where he managed to maintain only an echo of the greatness of the 8 something years of Psychotic Waltz existence. Amen. 4.5 stars

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