Album Review: Pupil Slicer – Blossom (Prosthetic Records)

On June 2nd, 2023, a more mature, more considered version of Pupil Slicer arrives brandishing their sophomore album, Blossom. Out via Prosthetic Records, Blossom is a hard science fiction/cosmic horror rock opera concept album with central themes of abject despair, reincarnation and a fascination of hell.

This is a big moment for Pupil Slicer. Having been catapulted into the stratosphere with the debut album ‘Mirrors’, a record that just about everyone loved, including us. Now it’s time for the follow-up and truth be told, they really could have gotten away with Mirrors Part 2. Yet that is not what they’ve chosen to do.

Blossom is a concept album and it finds Pupil Slicer in an experimental mood. Experimentation that helps make the concept feel more real, while also allowing the group to test themselves and their listener base.

Yet, be under no false illusions, this album is still an outrageous assault of abrasive heaviness. Evident by the miasma of noise that pours from Momentary Actuality. With layers of melody, touches of clean singing, and crushing technicality, it’s a blistering start to the album. Especially when paired with the poignant intro of Glaring Dark of Night.

The reality-bending, destructive beauty, and belligerent intensity of this story has begun.

Departure in Solitude showcases even more of Pupil Slicer’s bold experimentation as it combines chaotic and commanding progression with thrashy speed and enigmatic electronic touches. Yet, it seems almost relaxed when compared to the madness that follows with Creating the Devil in Our Image. A track that can be summed up as one of the most mind-bending things Pupil Slicer have every put out there. Mysterious melody, manic heaviness, trippy shifts, and ethereal tones. Utterly insane, but undeniably brilliant.

Can it possibly get any better? Well, The Song at Creation’s End certainly proves that Pupil Slicer aren’t holding back here. A track that is exactly eight-minutes long and can be summed up as a brash, bright, and brilliant epic that is every bit the Pupil Slicer we all know and love, and a different beast altogether. Hell, it even delves into shoegaze territories at times.

That it continues to make the concept so alive in the mind is testament to the writing of this band. Likewise, the structure, and how the album flows. While many of the tracks can be enjoyed in isolation, the full immersive experience is what truly makes this record a thing of beauty.

No Temple is a bit more of a Pupil Slicer ‘staple’ for want of a better word as it is as feral and furious as they come, the band showcasing a merciless mathcore hit that is hilariously accessible while being utterly extreme in every aspect.

It’s the Pupil Slicer way, abrasive and harsh, but beyond lovable. Which continues into Terminal Lucidity and Language of the Stars. The former beginning with other-worldly ambience, introducing computerised effects, before bursting through the membrane of peace with a jarringly brutal encapsulation of technical heaviness. The effects are prevalent throughout, making for one of the album’s most uncomfortable songs. Whereas the latter features dramatic melodies and disconcerting voices whispering in your ear. The evolving sound does little to alleviate the sense of bewilderment this track creates.

There’s no stopping now as Pupil Slicer hit a truly atmospheric high with the powerful melodic charge of Dim Morning Light. This might very well be the most beautiful song this band have ever written. Before the title track arrives to finally make sense as part of the bigger picture. When first released as a single, it caused confusion as listeners weren’t prepared for this new direction, but as part of this album’s story, it’s simply wonderful.

What an evolution, what a story, what an eclectic and varied mix of ideas, what creativity, what a band. Pupil Slicer have crafted something truly special here. The more time spent in the company of Blossom, the more it impresses.

Pupil Slicer – Blossom Track Listing:

1. Glaring Dark of Night
2. Momentary Actuality
3. Departure in Solitude
4. Creating the Devil in Our Image
5. The Song at Creation’s End
6. No Temple
7. Terminal Lucidity
8. Language of the Stars
9. Dim Morning Light
10. Blossom

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