Search - Pyramids :: Pyramids

Do They Know Something We Don't?

K. Brigance | Where East Meets West | 01/22/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I feel safe calling this self-titled release from Texas's Pyramids hipster metal. To be honest, I would not refer to this bands sound as heavy metal at all. This sound could easily appeal to fans of indie/noise/pop groups such as Deerhunter and Animal Collective, and as such would be delegated as the metal among their easier listening collection.



If anything, Pyramids play a brand of psychedelic music with dark undertones,often harsh guitar, and aggressive drumming indicative of heavy metal. It is a sound as influenced by Brian Eno as it is Immortal. There is a darkness to this album that creeps into the psyche of the subdued listener.



Looking for stand-out tracks on this recording is foolish, as Pyramids create soundscapes rather than typical songs. No, you are not going to find yourself singing that catchy Pyramids song...as many times as I've listened to this album, I still don't know the names of any of the songs, nor do I really know when one ends and the next begins.



The sound of Pyramids is ethereal hell. Beneath lithe streams of whirling sound lurk the demonic echoes of something else. The percussion plays devil to the angelic ambience. It is as though consciousness tries desperately to cling to solace as the surrounding environment deteriorates into terrible uncertainty. Often the guitar/noise-work turn even more angular and dischordant, letting a more overtly metallic aggression take the fore. The drums, on first listen, sound as though they don't belong with the music, almost sounding like a bad aesthetic decision. Give it time, however, and the intelligent listener will find that the aggrivation and forcefulness of the percussion really emphasizes the point Pyramids attempt to make.



This is a very cerebral album, it works on the listener. Over time, one will find that this album draws you in, and even though it might seem as though there is nothing singular to pay attention to, you are completely drawn in. Like the character in a Lovecraft story who has obtained unearthly knowledge and wishes desperately to return to convention.



I cannot say this is a flawless album, and often it can be very boring. The remixes are hit and miss, but interesting regardless. The high point of this album, remixes or otherwise, is definitely the "Sleds" remix by France's Blut Aus Nord, who take the dishord of the sound to a new extreme.



One must ask themselves with a project like Pyramids, do they know something we don't? Have Pyramids obtained a musical knowledge beyond what the listener will be able to deduce? Or, are they just guys creating something that sounds different? Regardless, I find this album interesting and hope that Pyramids can produce something even better in the future.



The fourth star is to bring the average rating up, as they deserve it on effort alone."

3.5 stars, some of the wierdest music out there

Byron Ridenour | Richmond, VA | 01/14/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The best way to understand this music is to hear it. I describe it as having beautiful, ethereal vocals in the likes of Sigur Ros, Genghis Tron-inspired drum programming, and then top it off with some atmospheric and distorted noise. However interesting it sounds, the music doesnt really go anywhere. Also, every song basically sounds the same. If your looking for music that is REALLY out there, check it out. They are on Hydra Head Records, who generally sport a wide range of abstract bands.



applause for creativity and originality

favorite tracks: sleds, this house is like any other world



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