Siyahkal - Corrupt Siyahkal

After making us wait a decade for their first LP, SIYAHKAL hesitate none to deliver another blow to the head. A year later, another twelve inches.

On “Corrupt,” their trademark gallop comes through clearer while no less mired in ear-piercing qualls of noise. Unrelenting in intensity for its 12-minute run time, “Corrupt” has a certain urgency to it - a frustration, a tension and release. If it slows, it’s only to recollect and come back blazing.

At moments, the record harkens to the dissonance of LP-era DIE KREUZEN. At others, it harnesses the hypnotism of the first UNA BESTIA INCONTROLABLE LP. Here, SIYAHKAL uses rhythmic propulsion like a jackhammer to the skull. If there are prisoners being taken, it will not be them. Through all of it are KG’s gruff vocals, and lyrics that aim to capture the very moment that the greater “we” all find ourselves in - under the boot of States that neglect our very right to be free.

Iran or America, the people in power are all the same. They see us all as fodder for war, to maintain their power. And with ‘Corrupt,’ this injustice is not just written into word, but screamed into song.