Ward XVI

When the gates of Whittingham asylum were opened it gave a chance for the UKs most dangerous criminal, serial killer; "Psychoberrie"

held in Ward XVI to tell the tales of her murderous past that she lived with her former partner before his own decapitation. She is assisted by fellow inmate and medical staff to unravel these gruesome tales though a theatrical mix of punk rock and metal riffs with a little bit of electro tossed in there as well.

In honesty this band were new to me, but after listening to every EP, single and song on their new album they have the ability and talent to make it far in the music industry. In 2015 the band released their first EP which set them off, leading us to here, the release of their very first and I’ll be first to say it here...awesome 16 track album titled "The Art of Manipulation"

Being a horror nerd, listening to this album took my mind on a journey of gore and deceit, being able to write a song that tells a story like that is a true talent this band holds with each and every song. The album starts off with what sounds like a dictaphone rolling and the voice of what can only be described as a psychiatrist straight out of a horror film talking to a female patient. Sets the album off perfectly.

This album has three interludes each giving more and more insight into the characters of this album and its theatrical background, interlude one gives us an insight into the lead female Psychoberrie's state of mind, interlude two of the album elaborates even more and depicts the reason this album is called “The Art of Manipulation” and interlude three reveals that we have a serial killer here with us.

Track three, the title track of the album ‘The Art of Manipulation’ starts off in an almost chilled out fashion before chaos erupts with heavy power based riffs. One of the bands self stated influences are Alice Cooper the track ‘Crystal Ball’ is one where you can hear that influence shine through and after a few listens you can pick out the clever use of percussion in this particular track to give off that eerie serial killer that stores bones in her wardrobe vibe.

‘Toy Box’ is another that stands out with its electro beats and almost carnival like track it depicts a story of torture and mental abuse "so we slit a few throats, cut off fingers and toes" is probably one of the catchiest lines I've heard.

Another on this album of pure Manipulation is ‘Blackened Heart’ listening to this you automatically start head banging along to the beat and air guitaring at the catchy metal riffs, this song has lead singer Psychoberrie's vocals that are chilling and blend in perfectly with the atmospheric melody behind her. This track gives off an almost pop punk vibe and gives anyone listening while driving that chance for a motorway solo moment.

‘Adrenochromania’ a word that took me several attempts to pronounce and for once my useless nurse knowledge came in handy. Adrenochrome is the oxidation of adrenaline which can have adverse reactions such as psychotic episodes including disordered thinking and euphoria or hallucinations. This track uses quiet backing vocals which gave the effect of hearing voices in keeping with the albums theme. The warping vocals and clashing guitar give that hallucinating response as well.

Over all I would highly recommend this band and album, part of me is disappointed there's not a movie to go along with this as the story like is gripping and well displayed through clever guitar work and eerie vocals, I can only imagine how this would be portrayed on stage with the addition of theatrics and props. Part of me at the end of listening to this feels like I was part of it and have been locked up myself. I look forward to hearing or seeing more of these guys!

FW