Dissonant post-hardcore noise collides with frantic technical metal on Capsule’s debut full-length Blue, and the results are pretty impressive. This is a very solid bunch of songs that, despite all the speed and discordance, is kept in check through intelligently-placed hooks and tempo changes. The production is stripped back and totally appropriate, while the doubled-up, shouted vocals are effectively pulled back in the mix, as if being hopelessly sucked into the spiraling chaos of the music.

Opener "True Blue" is a great little intro - fifty seconds of squealing, twisted riffs over pounding bass and drums. From then on it's all go as songs like "Cobalt Connection" and "Symptom of Spectacle" whiz by in swirling, manic fury with barely a breath in between. It’s the two middle tracks however that surprise most, and combined they form Blue’s centerpiece. "Determinal" starts out familiarly in its first minute before suddenly giving way to a slow, torturous riff that proceeds to bludgeon the listener for the next seven. The repetition is trying, but the song remains tense and crushing throughout. "Blue/Green" meanwhile is a sparse, ambient instrumental that manages to evoke a sense of dread and oppressiveness all of its own.

Blue finishes strongly with the remaining four tracks reverting back to the album’s early chaos, albeit more fleshed out and retaining some of the weightier elements of its mid-section. It all rounds out a tight and satisfyingly abrasive listen that is compelling and impressive from beginning to end. Capsule aren’t overtly metallic but the speed, heaviness and musical depth on Blue is on par with many a tech-metal outfit. If your tastes happen to veer toward the noisier end of metal/hardcore, this is definitely recommended.