Gus McArthur’s latest Symphonic Death Metal single is about as effective as a cattle prod when it comes to getting your attention. Straight from the prelude, you’re locked into a frenziedly magnetic hit.
After recently becoming overly enamoured with Nekrogoblikon, I’ve been on a constant search for other artists offering a similar sound. The San Diego-based fourpiece Gus McArthur not only do this through their latest single “Both Eyes Closed”, but they set themselves apart with an intellectual amount of distinction.
With each member bringing different styles and energies to the mix, their music transcends the usual thrashing and pounding monotony. Yes, it’s heavy, yes, it’s monstrous, but it’s no mere cacophony. It’s a melodic emotive masterpiece born through the infusion of everything from Hip Hop, Classical strings, Thrash, and Metal.
Yelawolf himself may have been spitting the Rap bars which sit against the insanely emotive Matt Belamy style vocal harmonies and fiercely guttural screams. And there are just as many switch-ups in the instrumental progressions. Hearing Both Eyes Closed may have marked the start of an aural obsession. Long may it continue.
You’ll have to wait until January 31st to check out the phenomenal single. In the meantime, you can head over to SoundCloud and check out their earlier releases.
Keep up to date with news of the release via Facebook.
Review by Amelia Vandergast
