Album Review: Periphery - Periphery IV: Hail Stan

One of the most important bands in modern heavy music, Periphery return with what is actually their sixth full-length album. As a band that has created a ridiculously high standard for themselves with their releases so far, their previous records are tough to top. It's doubtful that they’ve managed it here, but they’ve given it a damn good crack.

In a nutshell, Hail Stan is arguably their most broad and varied release – they have taken things to real extremes here. It features some of the heaviest and most brutal material of their career, some of the most sprawling, complex and progressive stuff they’ve ever done, and some of the catchiest and poppiest tunes they’ve ever composed. Plus it ventures into symphonic and electronic territory like never before. Add in some of those sweet ambient interludes they’re famous for and it’s quite a head-spinning ride.

It also features one of the best songs of their career. Garden In The Bones is just superb, a fist-pumping anthem if there ever was one, with a chorus that is just killer. Throw in a memorable guest spot from SikTh co-frontman Mikee Goodman on the almost 17-minute opener, Reptile, and you have a progressive heavy music record with the works. The best part about it all is that, in the hands of such illustrious songwriters, musicians and self-producers, virtually all of it works a treat.

As part of their overall canon of work, Hail Stan is a damn fine entry. Viewed in isolation, it is an absolute ripper, and an early candidate for album of the year honours. Avail yourself of this record soon.