Originally written by Jason Jordan.
If you’re familiar with Behold…the Arctopus, it’s probably due to guitarist Colin Marston’s ties to Byla, Infidel?/Castro!, and most similarly, Dysrhythmia. Strangely, however, of all the Reviews of Mass Destruction in the stockpile here at MetalReview, we don’t have a single one featuring Marston in any respect – until now. Even though this isn’t the first version of Nano-Nucleonic Cyborg Summoning to see the light of day, it is the most complete because it features the three songs from said EP, the two-song Arctopocalypse Now…Warmageddon Later EP, and four live tracks. Perhaps needless to say, aficionados of clean instrumental albums – especially in the vein of Dysrhythmia – will find this is a worthwhile reissue, which makes for a nice companion to the Orthrelm/Behold…the Arctopus split that was released earlier this year.
As hinted at earlier, the original version of Nano-Nucleonic Cyborg Summoning contains “Exospacial Psionic Aura,” “Estrogen/Pathogen Exchange Program,” and “Sensory Amusia.” The opening number lets the listener in on what to expect from hereon out: top-notch performances delivered in a speedy manner. Still, Behold…the Arctopus oftentimes sacrifice smooth transitions for baffling musicianship, so overall their output is not nearly as fluid as it could or should be. At the same time, moments of overwhelming, emotional clarity spring up out of nowhere – 5:25 minute mark – that almost atone for the disc’s blemishes. The ambient drone of “Estrogen/Pathogen Exchange Program” is not only a recognizable breather, but quite a dramatic change of pace for the instrumental, virtuoso-caliber trio until it reaches full wingspan.
“Alcoholocaust” and “You Will Be Reincarnated As An Imperial Attack Spaceturtle” – lifted from Arctopocalypse Now…Warmageddon Later – employ nearly the same approach as their counterparts, though there is a slight yet noticeable drop in production. Proving they aren’t simply a studio band, the live tracks are faithful recreations of complex numbers that display an ungodly amount of skill. Of the five songs that compose the latest edition of Nano-Nucleonic Cyborg Summoning, the only one that fails to reappear in the live setting for some reason is “Extrogen/Pathogen Exchange Program.” Contrary to what one might assume, though, the production doesn’t take a dive during the live portion.
In spite of the several, attractive qualities that Behold…the Arctopus possess, there’s a real lack of cohesion within each and every tune. That’s the main drawback, but if it doesn’t irk you, you’ll be just fine. Arguably encapsulated by the phrase “Dysrhythmia turned up a notch,” this threesome is definitely a fun and entertaining outfit, bolstered by an extraordinary amount of talent that they usually wield effectively.
