Metsu zai shou xen - album review

Psycho Assemble Laboratory (猟奇アッセンブル研究所) project was formed in the middle of 2012. The main creative force behind it is two Japanese (bet you are not surprised :) ) musicians: shikka (失華) and 88IO. The guys claim there is a persistent enmity between them but I believe you shouldn’t take it seriously :) Although this may help to understand the album deeper :)

The album was released on 3^rd VOCALOID Paradise event in Kyoto on March, 2nd. “Metsu Zai Shou Xen” (滅罪生善) could be translated as “Atonement for good life”. It is the first full-size album of the project. About a year ago a demo was released, “Gozou Mashimaro”. The current album contains all songs from the demo, some of them remastered.

There are 14 tracks total (if we'd count 3 ‘instrumental’ intros), and 48 minutes of music. But that would be kinda inaccurate statement, because the music on the album is _different_ , and it could be divided into three parts. Two larger ones – let’s say 18 minutes and 24 minutes :) – and a smaller chunk. First, let’s talk about the two main parts. As you may have puzzled out already, the division is the result of the difference in two producers’ music style.

IA - Insanity (remastered)

88IO of Psycho Assemble Laboratory project has released a remake of his early work. The original dates back to 2012. The new version is a stark contrast with the first one. The most notable point is upgraded electronic sound – because in the original it was rather immature. Upgrade means not only the soundscape became more immersive but also the guitars lost a good deal of their potency. The result is a smoother character, with synthetic parts playing a larger role. But there is also a shift into more characteristic, unique style of post-hardcore. Try it – you may as well like it!


Youtube:
Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm23228738



Video’s art by rIA.

Alicemagic (8.19 OTC Lost Mix) - cover by IA

The cover from the fresh Psycho Assemble Laboratory album. The original piece was composed by Shinji Orito and featured as an ending theme for “Little Busters!” TV anime (as well as in visual novel). Needless to say, the original isn’t worth your precious attention except for you’re a fan of mediocre j-rock, and I hope you aren’t. PAL’s cover is very different story though. 88IO-san has made a total rearranging. The song was converted into post-hardcore, heavily packed with synths. When Orito’s version sounded like some trash thing from 1980-s, the rhythmic nature of the remake brings it on the edge of the modern scene. Fancy breakdown and unusually low-pitched, tempting IA’s vocals make the impression even more solid.


Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm23118470
Lyrics (JP/EN): http://www.animelyrics.com/game/ritobasu/alicemagic.htm



Video’s art by riA.

IA - Incarceration

Psycho Assemble Laboratory is keeping its mark. In “Incarceration” you’ll meet with their usual energetic cocktail of electronics and heavy riffs, this time with IA as a singer. In fact, the word ‘usual’ underestimates the efforts of the team. Each their work has a unique character, and this one isn’t an exception.

“Incarceration” turns from trance to post-hardcore and back again, without losing momentum even slightly.

The video deserves few warm words too. Created by Takemura Ai-ryuu, maybe it’s not exceptional, but still is captivating and pairs with the song nicely.

Youtube:

Nicovideo link: http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm22605531

MP3 download: http://nicosound.anyap.info/sound/sm22605531

 

Video’s art by riA.