It’s either extremely clever of us or extremely lazy to use the knowledge that CT’s Dystopica were eventually going to be featured as part of our continuing Capulet Fest coverage thus holding off on a review of their debut full-length until the CF thang started and merging the two. You be the judge? Or don’t. But for the record, we think we’re clever.
Anyway! Dystopica! From CT! Hence local! Appearing Saturday, June 29th of the 3-day bill happening at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park and on a bill that already has Skillet, Red, It Dies Today and so many more, it’s great to know that bands like Dystopica will be bringing the noise and a fighting spirit earlier in the day making each minute the gates are open a FOMO moment. And as for their first full-length Infinite Reflection? Well, quite simply, it rules.
Becky Brideau’s voice is unlike any out there right now in the world of Heavy backed by Erich Bender and Rob Muller on drums and guitar respectively (With Lucas Dellaporta’s bass and Connor Sperry’s guitars bulking up the live sound) who collectively bring 12 tracks that are an amalgamation of styles that’ll have even the most blackest of heart staunch Metal fans headbanging along.
“Images Reflecting Within” starts it all off with ominous drumming from Bender as Brideau’s voice rings out and Muller lays out a similarly menacing tone that leads into the ripper called “Revenge” with some Thrash leanings before “Awaken” boldly bounces along next. Following that sonic barrage, “I Am A Gemini” is insane with Brideau displaying an incredible range that’s Tom Araya-style opening of “Angel of Death” screams one moment, an almost Death Metal-like growl the next and a, we shit you not, an Opera-esque run after that. All within a few bars, mind you.
Further in, “Far From Perfect” is a nice shreddy number with big grooves and “Episodic Waves” opens with a progressive cacophony of noise before Brideau’s more melodic tone drives on. “My Fault” could be considered Nu-Grunge with the vocal harmonies on display but all that is thrown at the window when it becomes a steady stomp from Muller and Bender as Brideau adds some Rob Halford/Bruce Dickinson range to ye olde vocal palette. Later on, the title track just epitomizes what Dystopica is all about with hard hitting riffs and beats and Brideau’s broad Metal mastery leading the charge while “The Dent In My Life” is a ballad with bite, “Insidious Onset” is an almost seven and a half minute rager that’s epic, ethereal, and downright exquisite to experience leading to the NWOBHM-ish “Blackout” to close out the record.
Infinite Reflection is out now on Pavement Entertainment and you can get your copy in a variety of options by heading here. The deets regarding the rest of the lineup, vendors, tickets and more for the 2024 edition of Capulet Fest can all be found here and for the latest on Dystopica (Beyond their Capulet Fest appearance on June 29th, that is), follow them across the information superhighway by clicking here or here.