SQUIDHEAD was formed in 2009 originally as a solo project by The Painter. After the release of an E.P. in 2014, having done all of the instruments and vocals, The Painter received rave reviews. Adding two additional members this Belgium technical death industrial band took solid form and progressed releasing "Cult(ist)" in March 2018. Wearing masks that depict alter-egos, (which no one has ever done before-sarcasm) SQUIDHEAD combines Death Metal, melodic elements and the usage of electronics to give that Industrial-ish feel joining the ranks of similar artists such as BORN OF OSIRIS, FEAR FACTORY, and S.Y.L.

Brandishing a sexy and curvaceous Ibanez eight-string answers the question, how did you get that low end? And the inspiration comes from where a lot of musicians find tales of delightful horror, H.P. Lovecraft. Their look and masks look a little Star Wars influenced.It sounds odd and cliche, however upon 1 minute of listening to "Whispers of the Deep", stop giggling and don't even think of moving on to the next review. This guy, rather, these guys, can tear some shit up. Technical drumming, intricate fretwork, and deep seismic vocals. No joke, this is gumming an aluminum can heavy and eat your own umbilical chord brutally.

The off time, on time, MESHUGGAH-esque drum pattern on "Verbis Diablo" will knock you down harder than a pro bowler nailing a strike. Some of the lead scales make me second guess being impressed by LAMB OF GOD and while they are fast they are melodically accurate and lay together as perfect as a newlywed couple. The rhythmic patterns are original and can stump even the most seasoned technical player or listener. The lyrics can be understood at times and from what I could make out are actually pretty brilliant. Nothing mind blowing but well written and accurate in depiction. There is a horror to SQUIDHEAD that will make you look twice at the moving shadows. Throughout "Cult(ist)" not only is it musically impressive and appealing but the atmosphere also provides the mind with a little snack for the journey.

The guitar intro for "Torn Skies" slides easily along despite how from a technical standpoint the fretboard is getting lit up. The slower melody over the fast drumming and bass accenting both guitar and drum can provide a soundtrack for the most torturous and taboo ways to kill someone while enjoying it. The audio production pleased my pc speakers and passed the car test with flying colors. I'm not gonna lie, it even made my lady parts twitch a little. For those into Technical Death Metal with a slight Industrial (and by that I mean synth usage but not a lot of it) feel and leads that actually belong, then SQUIDHEAD is like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Unsigned and self-released go pick up a copy of "Cult[ist]." You won't be disappointed.