Combining the aggression and raucous energy of two of the most innately extreme genres, punk and metal, The Clay People throw gasoline on a fire with their signature brand of hyper aggressive heavy punk metal. They have been a powerful presence in the American Hard Rock Metal Punk scene for over two decades, constantly pushing boundaries to carve out new niches and more clearer soundscapes that set themselves apart. On CULT HYPNOTICA, the group are set to release the first of a 40 song library that they recorded during the pandemic. Inspired by the overwhelming failure of information institutions to provide us with accurate and truthful news, the record delves into the onslaught of misinformed media, religion misinformation, the corruption of political agents, and the use of technology to control human behavior and societal control.
You’re not given much time before the chaos unrolls onto you. The Drugs (Are Not Working) kickstarts the record with a high octane energy and a powerful riff alongside a vocal performance that rallies you to jump forth with more power and fury. When the chorus line is finally uttered towards the song’s final minute, you’re probably already head banging vigorously. There’s an anger that’s prevalent across this record, but there’s also an underlying feeling of hope and a genuine care for the world. The wonderful riff on ‘Destroy all Humans’ is accompanied by a much more melodic vocal performance to piece together a heavy metal tune to remember.
Of course, like any absolutely aggressive and raucous heavy metal punk record might be, The Clay People aren’t for the faint of heart. But to those who revel in this chaos, in this sheer adrenaline of powerful and heavy energy, CULT HYPNOTICA is an exceptional collection.