Mykado
S/T
7.6
Artistic metalcore is the order of the day here with this tasty and eclectic EP from fledgling Translation Loss. Probably more similar to Burst or BBTS in their sonic mayhem, Mykado are as talented as anything on Relapse with the same cut ‘n’ thrust metal schematics and off kilter song structures that have a slight nod to Dillenger Escape Plan but give solid wink of an eye to Mastodon also. Throw in use of subtle sampling and keys, Mykado sound l little less sane than their peers. The brief keys on first track “Room 237” are psychotic and aided by the song's misogynic last few chaotic moments that force an insane asylum visage of guitars and straightjackets. It’s very effective at being obviously metalcore, while at the same time treading new, disturbed territory.
“Looking Glass” uses the same Circus like sampling with yet more psychopathic temper tantrum riffing and dying cat death throe structures. The lumbering riff that arises could have used more weight but a new band with a new label trying to sound fresh; I commend their lack of predictable bottom end. The breaking glass tone and often shredding riffs, while not as satisfyingly heavy as their peers, is a unique sound within the scene.
It’s rare that a band so obviously steeped in a scene, yet sound innovative but one listen to mammoth instrumental "The Sinful Nuns of St. Valentine”, and its ‘Dysrhythmia on Meth’ delivery, and you can see that Mykado have to be lumped in with Burst, Swarm of the Lotus and the more established Mastodon, to be considered one of metal's bright new hopes that can bridge extremity, accessibility and commercial viability into their sound.
As the eight minute labyrinthine “Distiller” closes this fine EP with some traditional metal solo work and monstrous breakdowns, you wonder why a label like Relapse let a band this talented get away especially as they fit into their current style of band they are promoting. Highly recommended if you are growing tired of the ever increasing cookie cutter metalcore genre, as Mykado are innovative and unstable.
