Periphery Atropos Is An Experimental Epic That Plays By No Rules

Atropos is one of the most “Periphery sounding” songs the band have put out in a while. The track is a perfect fusion of familiarity and new experimentation. 

Periphery pull off utilizing experimental sounds and electronics all while achieving the riff-heavy groove Periphery fans are known to love.

Periphery Kick Off Atropos With A Heavy, Rolling Groove

The track starts off with a heavy, rolling, riff that is seriously addicting. This is a fantastic start to a rather dynamic track. Bringing the energy right out the gates is great for grabbing attention.

However, once the first verse starts, the riff continues to guide the melody, but it is more subtle. The focus is now on the vocals of Spencer Sotelo. Aside from the riff, the verse is rather calm and melodic.

This vibe continues into the chorus, which sounds more like “It’s Only Smiles” than something like “Follow Your Ghost“. The chorus is merely a momentary mood shift, as Periphery kick things back into heavy territory afterwards.

Periphery Experiment With A Heavy, Electronic, Sound

Synths and electronic sounds surround a heavy groove which creates a sound that reminds me of “Remain Indoors” from “Periphery III: Select Difficulty“. That was never one of my favorite Periphery tracks, but it works really well here and I love it.

The electronic sound compliments the heavy riffs, and it adds a sound that makes Atropos differ well from previous singles “Wildfire” and “Zagreus“.

The second chorus plays out similar to how it did the first time, but the heavy part afterwards is much quicker than what was delivered after first verse.

Spencer sounds great here, and I appreciate how he switches up from a fury of fast screams to a deep growl as the instrumentation switches up from fast, shredding riffs to slow, rolling chugs.

Atropos Features Fantastic Melodies From Spencer Sotelo

Despite how heavy Atropos gets at times, the melodies are a huge highlight from the track. Some of the guest melodies come from outside the chorus even.

This is one of those tracks that plays by no traditional rules. Atropos is a truly progressive track from an already progressive band, and Periphery are in their element here.

All-in-all, Atropos is a well-balanced track that gives every Periphery fan something to enjoy. I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes a new fan-favorite track. I find the track to be my favorite single so far, and I am highly anticipating the release of Periphery V: Djent Is Not A Genre.