One has to wonder how many instruments Psyopus went through crafting this latest album as the included guitar wizardry alone is extensive enough to turn the human hand into a proverbial fretboard grinder. Thankfully, the untold number of picks, strings and drumsticks that met their untimely demise at the hands of this Rochester, NY-based outfit did serve a higher purpose though; and the blazing display of enigmatic tech metal captured here can attest to that.

While the band have become decidedly more accessible this time around, that's not to say that "Our Puzzling Encounters Considered" is Psyopus' "Miss Machine". Yes, the bands frenzied metal/jazz/grind/noise, etc. hybrid does have some calmer moments, melodic interludes and a more cohesive structuring. At times it even has focus as sweeping moments of beauty emerge before being buried by psychotic carpal tunnel inducing freak-outs.

But even a delicate, sullen instrumental track like Siobhan's Song" isn't enough to offset the damage done by the numerous searing mind-fucks that lead up to it. Make no mistake, It takes a different breed of music fan to fully appreciate what Psyopus are able to achieve. Being this outrightly batshit and schizophrenically talented enough will surely find the band instantly resonating with fans of groups like the Dillinger Escape Plan, Behold...The Arctopus and Ephel Duath, among others. But this is still a puzzle many will not be able to complete as the dizzying showcases of technical ability far outweigh the rare exhibitions of musical prowess.