I came across these guys a few years ago when I had the pleasure of reviewing “Jackpot Juicer”, I was instantly drawn by their eclectic mix of metal/hardcore, prog rock, pop rock and electronica, elements that on their own are great but when combined are amazing. On their latest offering, “Pantheon”, due for release on the 12th of September, they have upped the ante, giving you a more enhanced sonic experience.
Setting the tone for the album is “Animal Surgery”, with its great rhythm and funky riffs, Wells steps up on clean vocals, giving a fantastic performance on his first outing, and meshing nicely with Mess’ screamed vocals, scattered at times, but that is one of the alluring traits of the band. “Midnight At McGuffy’s” is a cool, funky number that has jazzy vibes with a kicking beat behind it. The switch-up between mayhem and melody is brilliant as the band gives you a trademark killer cut. “The Robot With Human Hair: Rebirth” is a quirky, caught in between genre style track that is so unorthodox it’s amazing, with metallic riffs paired with electro beats, clean and screamed vocals all over the place, with a high-pitched riff that is crazy. It takes a few listens, but this is such a brilliant track and a massive earworm. Speaking of worms, “The Conqueror Worm” is so far out there it’s on another plain, a mish mash of electro, pop rock with metalcore, mad riffs and a groove that is so infectious with vocals that are given an electro touch, the track is up and down like a rollercoaster, it’s amazing and one of the real highlights of the album.
“Trap Door” is a banger, relentless with its blistering drum beat and savage riffs, with the vocal switch up seamless, it dips slightly to a calmer style before ramping back up for the finale. “Strawberry’s Daughters” is more on the melodic, lighter side, so much so that even the harsh vocals sound calmer, another great track. “Space Cow Initiation Ritual” has funk legend George Clinton lending his considerable talent on this one, a funk infused track that once again blends genres with some killer base line that create a magical groove, the band’s ability to mix heavy and melodic with a sprinkle of quirkiness is unreal, all crafted for your listening pleasure, one of the best tracks on the album. “All The Way Down” is driven by a pulsating drum beat and cutting riffs that will leave you breathless as it runs a million miles an hour, yes there is a slight reprieve midway through but that is just so you can catch your breath before the onslaught resumes, the vocal toing and froing between Wells and Mess is unreal giving the track a massive bump, a real highlight this one. With a title like “A Shoulder To Cry On”, you would be forgiven for thinking this would be a ballad or slow style track, sorry to burst your bubble but this is a screaming roar fest that is unforgiving with a heavy drum and bass beat with savagely crunching riffs, more of a metalcore track that lights up the album, a monster tune.
“The Peak Of Superstition” is an airy melodic pop punk style track that is interspersed with a heavier, more aggressive style both vocally and instrumentally, a solid track at the back end of the album. “The Stickler” is like the polar opposite of the previous track, heavy as balls with some lighter melodic moments, the rhythm is sick, and when Mess lets rip, it is with serious intent; the drums and guitar riffs make this one a banger. “Yikes!” opens with a slow, heavy beat and nice melodic vocals from Wells before Mess takes control, roaring his way through the cacophony and power increases, the track seesaws back and forth, giving you a sonically epic track. Closing out the album is “Descend To Chaos”, a driving drum and bass beat is the foundation for this one, with some brilliant guitar work added to the mix. Wells really outdoes himself here, ably assisted by Mess, and a fine way to cap his singing debut for the band.
Pantheon, the band’s 11th studio album, is set to be released on September 12th via Rise Records
Fans can pre-save / pre-order Pantheon as a 2LP set now, here: https://dancegavindance.lnk.
Review:Conor
Pantheon is out 12th September 2025 via Rise Records.
Pre-save / pre-order Pantheon as a 2LP set now, here.
Pantheon Tracklist:
1. Animal Surgery
2. Midnight at McGuffy’s
3. The Robot With Human Hair: Rebirth
4. The Conqueror Worm
5. Trap Door
6. Strawberry’s Daughters
7. Space Cow Initiation Ritual (feat. George Clinton)
8. All the Way Down
9. A Shoulder to Cry On
10. The Peak of Superstition
11. The Stickler
12. Yikes!
13. Descent to Chaos
Pantheon is out 12th September 2025 via Rise Records.
Pre-save / pre-order Pantheon as a 2LP set now, here.
Dance Gavin Dance are:
Will Swan Guitar
Matt Mingus Drum
Jon Mess Unclean vocals
Andrew Mess Guitar, Clean vocals
www.facebook.com/DanceGavinDance