Psyopus's 'Our Puzzling Encounters Considered' is typical widdly tech-metal and to me it makes little or no sense - I don't understand the appeal of the sudden bursts of noise. It's frenetic and wild, weaving from place to place like a motorbike dodging traffic, overlaid with shouted vocals and the odd scream here and there.

If you're a fan of The Dillinger Escape Plan, then Psyopus will be right up your street, although there is quite a bit of weirdness on the album - such as the hidden track which made me wonder if there was something wrong with my CD player.

'Siobanhis Song' is an obvious departure from the rest of the album, and it's a damn fine track. It is still technical but melodic, almost like traditional folk music. It's different to anything I've heard too, although it has a proggy feel at times, a bit like Yes.

For the most part though, there's only one thought in my head when I play 'Our Puzzling Encounters Considered' - make it stop!

**

Review by Amanda Hyne