Released on January 17th, 2020, A Reptilian Dystopia is the new EP from FROGG! Let me tell you, this record really excites me. There's a ton to love here, from the lyric writing to the impeccable way the instrumentation weaves together. Based out of Stamford, CT, FROGG's goal is to take their local circuit in NYC by storm with a performance intended to drop jaws. The project is masterminded by tech death artist Sky Moon Clark, and he is currently looking for musicians for a live band. The EP was recorded by him along with a myriad of guest artist to bring the vision of A Reptilian Dystopia to life. Let's get into the material.
It's for sure a technical death metal delight, with sprinkles of Born of Osiris and some of it reminds me of Inanimate Existence. Don't let this fool you though, FROGG has birthed a sound that is 100% original. With a spin time of just under 18 minutes, there's a plethora of gems to examine.
The opening track Ancient Rain immediately washes the listener in waves of what I'd imagine a pineapple mixed drink with a couple extra shots of liquor in it mixed with a few dashes of horror would sound like. It's shockingly pleasant while still being an aggressive force, which is by no means a bad thing. Track two, Nuclear Storm, opens with a tasty guitar riff. The song takes the listener along a journey of transformation through, well, a nuclear storm.
Track three, DNA, is also the longest on the extended play. While DNA seems to be about the failing of humanity, there are traces of redemption as well. The instrumentational work is by far some of the most stellar on the EP as well, with several unique and beautiful passages. Ranidaphobia, or fear of frogs, is track four. Continuing the theme of intense vocal passages and multiplexed passages of guitar work, it's a fitting natural end to the EP. On FROGG's Bandcamp page, there is an extra track which is the instrumental version of Ancient Rain, and it's just as stunning without vocals which speaks highly of the musicianship that is present on the entire EP.
In all, A Reptilian Dystopia is a blast, and I highly recommend checking out FROGG online, and when they inevitably hit the touring circuits! Listen to the full album stream below, and check out the links for more information on the band as well.
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