From Bandcamp, “Dare you look into the kaleidoscopic heart of the tempest? This is a question calling out from within the sound of Brazilian metallers SIRIUN, a query bound in the inescapable invitation of craft, imagination and experimentation and in no greater temptation than within the band’s new album, “Psychonaut.” It is a concept album portraying the intimate alchemical journey of its protagonist in a non-linear way with its lyrical contemplations embracing inspirations from the likes of Carl Jung and Carlos as well as Castaneda, shamanism, alchemy, Buddhism, Taoism and more.

“Deep Water Flow” is first. The tones are heavy and aggressive, and the band plays very tightly and confidently. It loosens just a bit and becomes more animated, especially in the bass guitar department, but aggression is the name of the game. The title track is another brutal offering with a deep groove and some pig squeals in the guitars. There is also some melody mixed into the madness, at just the right time, and it helps in the flow of the song from start to finish. “Encoded Inception” begins on a softer bed of acoustic guitars, but they heavy chugs roll in with the speed of hastiness. There are also some nifty effects used, and so far, the band’s energy and musicianship shine the most.

“Final Hour” is another burning song, but even amidst the chaotic and furious pacing of the album, the band’s songwriting comes through, and each effect and supporting element they used is placed so well. “Kallash” is a short retreat from the early madness, giving the listener a chance to take a break before the second half of the album charges in. “Into the Pillars of Existence (Axis Mundi)” has a groovier and darker sound, with some spoken words that are ominous. “Expanded Optics” is a song with the gas pedal pushed to the floor and the nitrous turned on. The harsh vocals are uncompromising, and the drums are furious. Although the band often uses the low E chord as the basis of their songwriting, they vary it just enough.

“Igneous” has a riff that is simple but also so effective, and they beat you over the head with it throughout the song. There are pacing and sound variations along the way, however, even know they are subtle at times. “Zenith” is a lengthy offering, and the hooks catch your attention right away. As it moves forward, the earth shakes underneath. “Outro – Ascension” closes the album, and it’s an instrumental with nifty guitar effects. Their high level of musicianship and uncompromising energy is probably the best part of the album. Although 13 songs overstay their welcome a bit in my opinion, they did keep the energy up and used grooves at times to vary their sound. They clearly have talent, so watch out for this quartet in the future.