PAK
Bestial
(2019 - Nefarious Industries - USA )

https://ronanderson.bandcamp.com/album/bestial

PAK can perform some crushing progressive music, along side a few prattle bars, carousel discord, and general conflict. After listening to the years of various incarnations of Ron Anderson and friends, I now understand this band can do anything they put their minds to, and maybe a bit more. As a trio, 'Bestial' is in sublime mode, a darker meeting of Primus, Killing Spree, Massacre, and the likes, blowing up their own version of metallic/skronk/progressive avant-rock, with some added electronic space cadet. And all at once meticulous, irrepressible, and elite. The heavier approach also brings in an explosion of floor shaking episodes, celestial itinerary, and heavy crunch Etron Fou Leloublan, early Present, heavy John Zorn, and PoiL/PinioL world razzle-dazzle.    

Members Steve Blanco (Imperial Triumphant) on bass/synthesizer/voice, and Larry Kwartowitz (Cleric) on drums, help Ron Anderson (guitars/voice), who has been the one constant throughout PAK's existence, to bring all these elements together. With a supernatural atmosphere, horror film possibility, and a set of meteoric rotating dynamics constantly grabbing your attention, the airtight changes occur multiple times. The experience of these musicians shows in a clear-cut way, and the skill level is out of this universe.

'Reflection Consumer' (track 6) will even thrill the doom metal fans, with the first vocals of the platter. It needs to be noted that this song has more development, far better lyrics and voice (than any doom metal I have ever heard), and some great time changes the progressive rock lovers will also be happy about. Perhaps 'prog-doom-avant-metal' would be an appropriate label. The last tune 'Triskaidekaphobia' (track 7) is a 13:31 tour de force (dedicated to Arnold Schoenberg), and may best encapsulate all described here, in one composition. This is a whale of an exit.

'Bestial' is a true joy ride through a heavier climate (than former releases) with celestial envelopes, serving up fat powerful foot on the pedal dizzy spin on a dime ability. This PAK as all their previous releases, is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 5 - 20 - 2019

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