Harvyst scores a hat trick with their latest release, Lysergency Resolute. Their previous albums, released through AcidVictim Records, showed a band developing an eccentric style they described as “industrial jam.” The Kalamazoo, Michigan-based band combines various electronic elements with psychedelic jams. The group has shaped and molded this sound, showing a great deal of progress with each ensuing release. One of these progressions includes new vocalist and electronics wizard, Aeon.

Even though Aeon doesn’t possess the psychotic, serial-killer obsessions of ex-singer Brent, he comes across much scarier on wax. Brent’s creepy screams lent the music a crazy vibe, but largely his vocals were one dimensional. Aeon’s multifarious voice allows the group to morph their music into so many forms. Depending on the mood of each passage, Aeon moves between morose clean crooning and electrified screams. In the case of album-opener “Monarch,” he lingers ominously in the back of the mix during mid tempo verse lines, and then jumps into the front of the mix, getting in the listener’s face with scathing screams.

Aeon presents many angles with his voice by running it through a variety of electrical processes as does each member’s instrument. Live performances literally show a band surrounded on stage by a plethora of pedals. The numerous effects contain many swirling, embedded layers, invoking images of vast electrical storms. Because so much is happening, Lysergency Resolute requires intensive listens to pick up on all its idiosyncrasies. Also, the average duration of a song is over six minutes, including the ten-plus minute title track.

The album should be taken in as a whole, but if time is running short, “Face to the Floor” is a good place to start. This track begins with a weird sound clip—many of the tracks contain strange sound clips. Aeon’s distorted vocals stand atop a fairly simple, chugging rhythm. Collin’s melodic; guitar riff, Aaron’s distorted bass and Aeon’s cosmic keyboards present a three-tier layer to this rhythm. During a slower, doom-like pace, Aeon and Aaron combine their clean voices into an apocalyptic choir.

Lysergency Resolute primarily features new material; however, a couple tracks—“Monarch” and “Ergot” received a face lift. Both tracks include a clearer production than the previous versions, and Aeon brings greater vocal and electronic capabilities. “Ergot” took on industrial alterations, which stays consistent with the band’s evolving sound. Aaron’s vocals took a wavering, spacey transformation. The phazer effects, frantically-paced samples and meaty, distorted bass make this track one of the best in their catalogue.

The industrial jam tag gives an accurate description of their music but falls short of being an all-inclusive modifier. Their love for hippy music such as the Grateful Dead shows in their extended instrumental sections, but this is no happy-hippie music. It is more like a bad acid trip. Randy’s bongo parts bring a primal quality uncommon in industrial music. His raw percussion instills a dualistic aspect to their music.

Additionally, solos make a rare appearance in industrial, but don’t tell that to Collin. Some may not take well with the digital ambience or the merging of styles; some just won’t get it, but to those that do understand, it will provide one hell of an astral vacation.

www.harvyst.com