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Nov 7, 20224 min read

Psycroptic - As The Kingdom Drowns (2018)

FROM THE CRYPTS - CELEBRATING PAST ALBUM RELEASES in the HISTORY of HARD ROCK & HEAVY METAL…



On November 7, 2018, Psycroptic released their seventh full-length studio album As The Kingdom Drowns via Prosthetic Records.


In an interview with maniacsonline.com.au, Psycroptic frontman Jason Peppiatt talked about As The Kingdom Drowns, saying;

“It was, I suppose, a natural progression. The songs were done roughly in pre-production with Joe drum-programming and stuff like that and by the time everyone added their elements and Joe put the production touches on the end of it it's just the way it went. We wanted to go for a darker and heavier sounding album than usual. We're all really happy with how its come out.”

On whether he had a favorite track, Peppiatt stated;

“I really like the way the title track came out. I'd probably say We Were The Keepers was another favourite of mine. I suppose they're the ones with the bigger sounding, more epic choruses.”

Jason also had this to say about the albums artwork;

“Dave organised the artwork. The art was actually done before the album was finished. Dave gave a bit of an outline to the artist and that's what he came back with and we were stoked with it. I hadn't even written any lyrics before the cover came in, so Dave sent the cover to me and said "alright when you start writing draw some inspiration off this" so I interpreted it as I could. It's a masterpiece of a cover so we're so happy with how it came up.”

Talking to The Rockpit, drummer D. Haley stated;

“It’s always a challenge to continue to evolve as a band, while staying true to the path you’ve chosen to walk on,”

Haley also noted;

“With As The Kingdom Drowns we all pushed each other outside of our usual comfort zones, and didn’t settle for the easy way out. I’m super proud of everyone’s hard work and dedication to the project; it turned out to be one hell of a catchy riff filled album.”

Australian Tour:

Psycroptic kicked off their Australian tour on November 28, 2018 in support of As The Kingdom Drowns with special guests Orpheus Omega.



Critical Reception:

A review for Progressive Music Planet said it best in this review;

“Tasmania’s Psycroptic is BACK with As The Kingdom Drowns and wow, it’s a killer album. Sure it’s only 35 minutes but it’s a relentless, blistering album nonetheless! I enjoy Psycroptic in doses. Like any tech death metal band, they can be a bit overwhelming at times.
The main difference with As The Kingdom Drowns is that the band have more dynamics in their music. And that’s why I think this may very well be their best album to date. To be sure, this does NOT mean they are mellowing out at all. Rather this slightly more prominent dimension makes the heavier parts seem even MORE heavy.
The album kicks off with We Were the Keepers, a track that is traditional, in your face Psycroptic. From there the next two tracks weave in some groove metal moments into the over the top insanity. Frozen Gaze blends those two elements perfectly while Directive has a complex yet slower main riff that is just plain awesome. Deadlands veers into speed metal territory while the title track has a super cool slower vibe to it while showcasing how amazing the band can play. Granted they step on the gas pedal when you least expect it too. GREAT track!
Upon These Stones is by far my favorite track because it shows off the dynamics that I mentioned. This is the track that could point the band into a new, fresh direction. I’d love it if this track was twice as long too! I think epics are something that could be a game changer for Psycroptic. The album ends with a short blast of energy with You Belong Here, Below. And while I like the track, I wish there was a big “statement” track at the end.
There’s a lot to unpack in 35 minutes here. As the Kingdom Drowns shows that Psycroptic are still as dangerous as they have ever been and yet still willing to push themselves. There’s no doubt fans of the band will find a lot to love on this album. If you are someone who loves tech death metal, you need Psycroptic in your life!”

While, in his review for angrymetalguy.com Kronos stated;

“Fifteen years later, Psycroptic have finally delivered an album that lives up to the brilliance of The Scepter of the Ancients, and with a completely different sound. While the band’s records between provide a glimpse into the evolution of Joe Haley’s now unmistakable guitar playing, the band never pulled all of that wizardry together into a great album until As the Kingdom Drowns. It’s still imperfect – dropping Momentum of the Void and moving Beyond the Black to the end of the record would have made for a tighter run and more exciting ending. But by restraining their creativity to simply structured songs and embellishing those with just the right combination of effects, Psycroptic have made their most compelling record in more than a decade, and one that will engage more than just the diehard fans and guitar fanatics. At the end of a stream of adequate albums, in an ocean of by-the-numbers death metal, Psycroptic hold their heads high above the water.”

To purchase As The Kingdom Drowns via Bandcamp, click this link: https://psycroptic.bandcamp.com/album/as-the-kingdom-drowns


To listen to As The Kingdom Drowns via Apple Music, click this link: https://music.apple.com/us/album/as-the-kingdom-drowns/1421482498



Note: The reviews shared here are for historical reference. The views and opinions expressed within are not always supported (in full or in part) by Into the Wells. — E.N. Wells


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