DYSTOPIA A.D. is a Melodic Death Metal band from the US, formed in 2017. "Doomsday Psalm" is their sophomore effort, and contains eight songs. "Imperial Dawn" is the first. The opening tones are dreadfully heavy, the guitar work is fairly intricate, and the vocals are delivered in a few different styles. The drums are insane, but it looks like they are programmed. It slows around the half-way mark, with some really nice guitar harmonies and background ambiance, before a strong finish.

"Terminal Lucidity" features an evil, slow sound with opening gutturals that are so deep, they sound like they come from a cave thousands of feet in the earth. The lead guitar work is fantastic, and features some classical scales. "Fields of Carrion" begins with some more nice guitar harmonies. The varied vocal style keeps the sound fresh, and the listener on his toes. "Force-fed Soma" has some more solid guitar work. The band seems to know how to fill in all of the background with various elements so that the sound stays thick. The trumpet tones at the end are sad and somber. "Lost Shores" is a short interlude, connecting the first half of the album with the second. Waves crash softly on the shores, and acoustical guitars carry the sober sound.

"Doomsday Psalm" is a heavier and darker offering, featuring some measures of clean vocals mixed in with the harsh ones. The classically tinged guitar work shows a band with a pedigree. "As Skies Collapse" open with a thoughtful combination of acoustic guitars with electric leads, leading to a hastier and energetic sound. The band also shows a bit of prowess with some uncommon meters. It slows at the half-way mark, when some really nice melodies come around, including flute notes and some keys. "Howl of Barghest" closes the album. It opens with soft drums and some delicate melodies, leading soon to a powerful and commanding sound. Melodies seep back in slowly before the song ends on a harsh note.

In a genre that has become pretty saturated as of lately with bands, DYSTOPIA A.D. keeps their brand of Melo-Death fresh and current. There are so many varied elements both within the vocals and the music, that the album is not one-dimensional in scope. I love the folk instruments, but I think that the band either has to commit to them fully, or throw them out. A tease just wasn't enough. These guys are talented, and this was a pleasurable listening experience.