PERIPHERY V: DJENT IS NOT A GENRE

Periphery are among the modern champions of the djent niche of progressive metal by all means and their seventh studio album 'Periphery V: Djent Is Not a Genre' is the most captivating and complete work they have delivered so far, a heavy, gnarly, throbbing polyrhythmic madhouse that explores every possible dimensions of the band's music, resulting in one of the most blissful experiences in heavy music nowadays, further cementing the reviewer's belief that the bands that are currently holding the "progressive" torch are to be found in the heavier sides of the genre. As for the Periphery album, it is scorchingly heavy, exquisitely well produced, malevolently genuine and sincere, and completely audacious. The whole project in a way oversees the legacy of the band and attempts to provide a manic overview of the full gamut of their musical interests.

Perhaps taking inspiration from all of their previous releases, Periphery had decided to indulge in crafting a most complete, all-around tour de force, that despite an initial expectation of being incessantly heavy, is able to overcome and transcend such notions, with the album's stylistic explorations ranging from progressive to fusion, and from electronica and pop, always maintaining that signature complexity and density of the sounds. However, the album sounds very controlled, very well-balanced between heavy and light, still aggressive and angry but also daring, gentle, experimental, and incredibly cohesive. Every track on here is a highlight of its own in a way, simultaneously existing in its own universe yet making perfect sense in the context of the entire work. Whether it be the bruting opener 'Wildfire' with its jazzy interlude, the melodramatic 'Wax Wings', the manic and unhinged track 'Everything is Fine!', or the two closing epics 'Dracul Gras' and 'Thanks Nobuo', one cannot help but marvel at the accessible complexity of the album which also has a very compelling nature, displaying all the traces of a matured band that knows exactly where it is going. 'Djent Is Not a Genre' is surely a very strong creative achievement for Periphery and one that sets a very high standard for modern progressive metal, aided by the fact that the entire album is self-produced.