To say an album is pure deathcore sounds flippant, but that’s what Your Cynical Sanity has delivered. Their long awaited album Anhedonic is full of blast beats and growls, and it leaves a lasting impression.
Released four years after the band dropped “Doom Town,” vocalist Myke Taylor says the release feels like a full circle moment. His observation is right. Anhedonic comprises a string of singles written over the years, speaking to Sanity’s longevity in the industry.
At face value Anhedonic seems like it’ll suffer from a long standing curse of sameness in the local hardcore scene, but it doesn’t. Centred around a general hopelessness and isolation, the album takes shape in the firm of a concept project.
Tracks like “Drifter” and “Befoul” are standouts, whilst “Volatile” and “Temperance” make use of eerie horror film textures. In fact, “Volatile” is extra memorable because of its trap characteristics added for good measure, illustrating the band’s potential for genre versatility.
“Oblation” and “Death Wish” magnify the darkness of Anhedonic’s themes, with often sinister lyrics that amplify Anhedonic‘s moody narrative.
Your Cynical Sanity’s efforts hit all the sweet spots, but more importantly, it proves their immense staying power as a band.
