Review of Parasitic Skies - The Descent

Residing on the same label that has or had the likes of xRepresentx, OnexChoice, xTyrantx on its roster, there’s no surprise in what Seattle’s Parasitic Skies―despite the lack of an x in their logo―play; tough as nails, straightedge metallic hardcore.

No frills, no melodies, no trendiness. Just a beefy (no pun intended) vegan beat down that culls from the early ’90s metallic hardcore scene where bands like Earth Crisis, Turmoil, Catharsis, All Out War and such roam. Rather than power chords and breakdowns, Parasitic Skies focus on a controlled, angular form of lurching metal that has one little toe in death metals classic lope and the rest of the boot clad foot deep in hardcore’s angst fueled rage and message.

The eight short tracks blaze by with a vitriolic simplicity without trying too hard to be all overly death metal and overtly heavy as hell ― the heft truly comes naturally: The bass rumbles and the drums pound like an idling diesel as the gas is occasionally lightly pressed. The likes of “Misshapen Manifestation”, “Torche Smoke”,  “Altar of Defeat” and moody closing instrumental “Nadir” brood and lumber with a dark intensity. Rather than gang chants and chest pounding machismo to tell you their beliefs, Parasitic Skies are content to let their music speak volumes rather than parade around in baseball shirts.

While hardly a ground breaking record, I for one appreciate the direct honesty and pummeling, no nonsense sounds that Parasitic Skies represent ― even if i don’t agree with their lifestyle or message.