From Bandcamp, “Pythagoras,” the new PYRAMIDS album nine years in the making, is set for release in 2025 via avant-tastemakers The Flenser. Yet another daring study in genre synthesis, the band continues to push boundaries in both sound and aesthetic, blending jagged fragments of black metal and shoegaze, but this time adding the unconventional layers of reggaeton and neoperreo to both voice and rhythm. Named after the ancient Greek philosopher, Pythagoras represents the band’s ongoing commitment to innovation, and the perpetual juxtaposition of the delicate and the devastating, embracing complex musical structures and rhythms that both challenge and captivate the listener.”

The album has seven songs, and “Fools Gold” is first. It has a bouncy and gentle sound, with a catchy riff. Harsh vocal screams can be heard in the background, but they are dialed down to the point that you would have to be actively listening for them. In a true genre bending commitment, the drums are at times blast beats. What a strange, but very pleasing sound we have here. “Pretty Pigs” also has a distinctive, almost Latin type of beat to the drums, and again, another catchy but somewhat solemn sound. It is very reminiscent of the neon music of the 80’s, but, of course, the harsh vocals “Bones and Eggshells” has another Latin sound, and add in the Spanish vocals, and there you go. Angry Black Metal vocals suddenly spring up, combined with blast beat drumming.

“Mira Mirame Brillar” has a heavy electronic beat and more Spanish vocals. I feel like I’ve been transported to a club on the south side of Mexican resort. The trumpet notes are all too familiar as well. “Brine” refers to something soaked in salt water. The gentle, harmonized vocals might hint at salt as wonderous seasoning…you know, taste. The song has warm tones of blue and purple for me. “Cracks” has that same drumbeat, but it is slowed with charming melodies. Of course, there are filthy Black Metal vocals buried in the background, but they don’t stop that light from shining and shine it does. “God of Light” closes the album, and I get some of the Pop infused style of a band like U2. Say what you want about this unique band, but one cannot deny their Pop sensibilities. They play with melodies like a toddler exploring the world for the first time.

Get ready to test everything you think you might know about blackgaze/shoegaze, or music in general, because “Pythagoras” from PYRAMIDS is one of the most uniquely pleasing albums that I have heard in a while, genres notwithstanding. It stretches conventional boundaries so far, they threaten to snap. There is a bite here as sharp as a viper’s fangs, but I am content to just let the melodies wash over me in the waves that they come.