Came for the meme, stayed for the music - A review of Nuclear Power Trio's A Clear and Present Rager

Nuclear Power Trio obviously initially grabbed my intention with the humorous artwork for its debut extended play A Clear and Present Rager. The song titles also looked quite amusing to say the least. Since I found the record in the metal section, I expected this to be a tongue-in-cheek crossover thrash metal release somewhere between Iron Reagan and Stormtroopers of Death. As it turns out, this is an instrumental progressive metal album which was somewhat disappointing at first. After multiple spins however, the record that offers five songs for a total running time of nineteen minutes has grown on me and is actually quite decent.

The trio manages to mix memorable melodic passages with technically impressive sections where all three musicians can shine on bass guitar, drums and electric guitar. The songwriting is refreshingly focused with lengths varying between roughly two and a half minutes and five minutes. The production is excellent for this genre in my opinion as all instruments are perfectly audible. ''Grab 'Em by the Pyongyang'' is an instant highlight for instance with its melancholy melodies that clash with skilled guitar play, playful drum patterns and dominant bass guitar sounds.

''Ukraine un the Membrane'' is similar in style but has a more cinematic, dramatic and epic note lead by melodic guitar play while the rhythm section is fast and pitiless at times. The song remains creative, dynamic and playful through nearly five minutes with surprising ideas such as an acoustic guitar coda. Despite all those changes, the track has structure and doesn't lose itself in instrumental wankery like so many other instrumental progressive metal groups do.

''Mutually Assured Seduction'' convinces with longing guitar sounds that clash with distorted riffs. The bass guitar play is yet again quite fast, playful and technical as it occasionally takes the lead in this song. The drums and percussions are also given the opportunity to shine and come around with multiple stunning tempo changes. This longest tune on the record ends this extended play on a high note.

At the end of the day, I can admit that I came across this release for the memes but stayed for its excellent music. Anyone who likes imaginative instrumental progressive metal in the key of Unbeing should check Nuclear Power Trio's A Clear and Present Rager out. Now that the trio has got our attention, let's hope that these guys stay around and follow this excellent extended play up with a full length effort in the near future.

Final rating: 85%