“Intoxicator” - ACROLYSIS

Sydney’s Acrolysis return with Intoxicator, a sprawling, hour-long dive into the more twisted, introspective corners of heavy metal. It’s their second full-length album, and while 2023’s Revolution was a punch in the throat to corrupt systems and societal rot, this time around they’re pointing the middle finger inward - and it fkn works.

From the get go, Intoxicator is layered, unpredictable, and absolutely not here to play it safe. There’s still enough chug, riff and groove to keep the headbangers happy, but now it’s laced with synths, piano, organs and full-blown orchestral moments - like someone snuck acid into your Jack Daniels.

The title track smashes open the door with piano-driven atmosphere and fat, swaggering riffs, while Phase 153, the instrumental closer, is a full-blown prog epic stacked with guest shredders like it’s the metal version of a Fast & Furious movie - all muscle, no brakes.

Vocally and lyrically, Konstantine Ana sounds like a man who’s had enough of everyone’s shit, including his own. Tracks like The Inevitable and Dead Man’s Hand don’t just touch on regret and consequence - they dive headfirst into the existential mud with a bottle in one hand and a mirror in the other.

What’s most impressive is how cohesive this all feels. With all the experimentation, Acrolysis never lose sight of their identity - pissed off, introspective, and musically unhinged in the best way. There’s groove, there’s brains, there’s emotion, and there’s more than a few riffs that’ll snap your neck if you’re not careful.

Intoxicator is Acrolysis evolving without selling out. It’s personal, heavy as balls, and ambitious as hell. Out now - get around it or stay soft.