Only short time after the release of the double-masterpiece Juggernaut, Periphery decide to return. According to them, everything was going smoothly, without any stress. Songs converged into a fifth album titled Select Difficulty.
The band continued to lead taciturn battle with the dancing characterized in prog, djent and post-metalcore choruses. Those who are not their hardcore fans will also have problem with the diverse singing technique by Spencer Soleto. In translation – nothing changed! We are honored with another high quality metal album. If I could add, this is Periphery’s best effort so far.
Motormouth is a paragon of a song in which clean vocal will not impede the predilection music fans have for scream and growl. Blasbeats on The Price is Wrong put all of the elements in their right place. Marigold is not a cover of David Grohl’s Nirvana song, but a refreshing partner of The Way The News Goes. Somehow, the songs are paired. Remain Indoors radiates riffs, while Habitual Line-Stepper is drums-saturated.
Flatline is the biggest hit that modern metal will hear in this decade. Progressive Absolobomb creates a rife intro followed by several culminations. Pop-ish track Catch Fire has a romantic line
Stay with me, I’ll show you paradise – it feels s right
Prayer Position prepares you for the grand finale called Luna – an epic 8-minute ballade outro.
The fact that I did not omit to mention any song speaks for itself. Balanced and brilliantly put together, the album exudes what I was expecting from Periphery. It is both fun and interesting, approachable and substantial. This is the album created without pressure. Electronic elements are not artificially interjected, rather naturally texturing the song where it needs to be textured. Everything else I always liked is still there. It is safe to say that Periphery is in their peak.
