The influence of Cypress Hill on nu metal cannot be understated, as many of the kings of the genre have nodded to the West Coast legends. Likewise, the mind-bending work of their Californian compatriots Deftones changed the landscape of alternative metal forever. Add in a common thread of producer/guitarist Richie Londres, and the sum of the parts is the until-now secretive side project known as Sol Invicto. The band’s previous works were exclusive to their Comiti fan club, but now their public debut has been announced, as the band works out a deal to release their previous work to a wider audience.
“The Obvious Play” marks the first salvo from the forthcoming Loosely Aware EP, due out on November 8th. Deftones guitarist Stephen Carpenter joins Cypress Hill percussionist Eric Bobo, as well as Sikth drummer Dan Foord, with Londres and Technical Itch producing. Described as “cinematic industrial electronic metal,” the group has remixed Deftones’ “Diamond Eyes” and “You’ve Seen the Butcher,” as well as tracks from Asking Alexandria.
For “The Obvious Play,” Plague to Pyres vocalist Sean Plague delivers a commanding performance. If the common threads weren’t apparent enough, Plague to Pyres is signed to Omyac Records, a label owned by Stephen Carpenter and Richie Londres. It is a small world after all.
Chugging guitars, dynamic drumming, and a crushing and imposing vibe make for a statement of a track. Those expecting something chill need not apply, and those looking for head-bopping may want to look elsewhere, as “The Obvious Play” is a shot to the dome with a sock full of spare change. At first or second listen, it feels like a grander Meshuggah number with notes of metalcore and sludge thrown in for good measure.
Check out the visualizer for Sol Invicto’s “The Obvious Play” below, and pre-save Loosely Aware here.
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