PSYCHOTIC WALTZ: A Social Grace (PROGRESSIVE METAL): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Ignored for a long time by the media, Psychotic Waltz has experienced a revival of popularity in recent years, due, on the one hand, to the re-releases of the Metal Blade label released in 2004, which allowed (now numerous) progressive metal fans to discover this little-known band, and on the other hand to the success of DeadSoul Tribe, Devon Graves' band.

What's the connection? Well, it's simple: in the 90's, Devon was called Buddy Lackey and was the brains behind an underground band from the Californian scene called Aslan, who, for a question of rights, changed his name to Psychotic Waltz in order to release his first demo in 1988. And that's where the story begins; not only that of a great band with qualities that are unfairly underestimated, but also that of a genre. Because if we generally attribute the "invention" of progressive metal to Queensrÿche, Watchtower, Fates Warning or, obviously, Dream Theater, it's on the other hand extremely rare to see Psychotic Waltz cited...

"A Social Grace", the band's first studio album, is released in 1990. At the time, the thrash movement was running out of steam, and the media and the majors' hold on the music world had considerably strengthened. After months of research, our five mates finally manage to sign with independents (Sub Sonic Records, now disappeared), and give birth in the pain of this first opus; and for a trial run, it's a masterstroke! Distributed in Europe by Rising Sun Productions, the album is praised by specialized critics, notably Rock Hard and Metal Hammer, who praise the qualities of "the album of the month". From Germany to Greece, everyone is clamouring for this new metal darling whose sound is innovative and above all incomparable. On the other hand, the scenario doesn't happen on American soil, and the lack of promotion and even distribution quickly relegates Psychotic Waltz to the rank of a cult but underground band.

Because throughout its 13 tracks, "A Social Grace" explodes the barriers of the time, with an energy and a style that is simply unique, that no band will ever manage to imitate. Between Thrash and progressive rock, Psychotic Waltz paved the way for a genre then in full expansion. From the poignant melodies of "I Remember" (Buddy's homage to his idol Ian Anderson) or "Another Prophet Song" to the dark rhythms of "I Of The Storm" or "Spiral Tower", passing by the demonstrative technique of "...And The Devil Cried", a scathing and excessive opener, everything is there! Difficult to describe, Psychotic Waltz's music seems however already defined on this first album, as the result of a singular artistic approach, an approach that culminates in tracks like "A Psychotic Waltz", "Strange" or "Halo Of Thorns", little pearls of progressive metal before their time.

A first album totally indispensable for fans of the genre, as well as for the curious, mindful to expand their knowledge of the genre. Its esteemed success will lead to a short but intense tour, and will above all allow the band to aim even higher for their next album... But this is another story! - Official website

PSYCHOTIC WALTZ

A SOCIAL GRACE

METAL BLADE RECORDS

PROGRESSIVE METAL