The metalcore tree has branched off in so many directions over the past decade. In a similar fashion as Linkin Park’s accessible approach to heavy music, Pridian (formerly known as ÆØNS) takes on metalcore with a shinier production for the masses on their debut EP, mastered by Joel Wanasek (Monuments, URM Academy, Machine Head)
Hailing from Tartu, the four-piece kicks Cybergnosis off strong with the solid single “Soft Gold,” a dynamic dopamine rush for fans of Bring Me the Horizon or Spiritbox. After just a couple listens, you’ll be humming the chorus: “I’m terrified by the scent of my sins.” Pridian are perfectly aligned here, spewing the metalcore for the next generation.
“Disgust” does not pump the brakes; it is aptly titled with meat-slab thick riffs and filthy low vocals. Nonetheless, Pridian are able to intertwine pleasant melodies throughout the banger, as if Lorna Shore took a page out of Loathe‘s book. While dripping in aggressive emotion, these tracks still present accessibility. I can foresee the younger goth / alternative crowd getting behind this project, shown on the arena melodic, electronic, and Wage War-like moments of “Deadfall” and “Hive Mind.”
Furthermore, there’s plenty of diversions and variety throughout Cybergnosis that make for a thoroughly compelling listen. The industrial edge of “Tetsuo” provoked 3teeth production, while the Volumes-quality breakdown on “Deadfall” blew me away.
Pridian‘s depth is far beyond the surface of nü-metalcore. With militant industrial and catchy-as-hall characteristics injected into the jugular, Cybergnosis is a killer, worthy debut EP.