Psychoprism Shines on Stellar Sophomore Prog-Metal Effort

Psychoprism’s new album, “R.I.S.E.,” is prog-metal par excellence. The Fair Lawn-based band’s sophomore disc, released this past Friday (Dec. 3), is a superior effort. Psychoprism have progressed mightily since its debut album, the excellent “Creation,” having further developed their songwriting skills, musicianship and production acumen courtesy of guitarist Bill Visser.

The instrumental intro “Resistance” sets a grand tone before “Struggle” gets things rolling and gives listeners a taste of the complex yet melodic progressive metal experience they’re about to encounter. The track features potent, dynamic vocals from Jess Rittgers, riffs galore and fretboard acrobatic solos by Visser, Adam Peterson’s majestic keyboards, and drummer Kevin Myers and bassist Erick Hugo’s lockstep, fluid cohesion.

Rittgers possesses a full vocal range that fits Psychoprism’s music well and an exceptional command of high notes as evidenced throughout “R.I.S.E.” Peterson’s keyboard work is a natural part of the band’s sound. It fits perfectly with the music rather than just adding another layer. He and guitarist Visser especially shine on “Faultline” as they trade epic guitar and keyboard licks and solos. Visser’s catchy riffs power “The Answer Will Come.” “Devil in the Details” brings the tempo down a notch without losing any power. The title track and “Moving Mountains” are just two examples of Myers and Hugo providing Psychoprism’s pulse.

Overall “R.I.S.E” is a fascinating ride that foretells a very bright future for this praiseworthy band.

We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Jess Rittgers and Adam Peterson.

Adam, you came to New Jersey from Texas to join the band. What impressed you about Psychoprism to make the move?

Adam: Some friends sent me the demo CD of “Defiance” and I thought it was pretty awesome. The first thing that happens is the heavy guitars and drums come in and then Jess hits that high note and stays on it and keeps on powering through that song with these killer vocals. I thought, “that's something I want to be part of.”

Jess, what were your first impressions of Adam?

Jess: Adam bridges the gap between all of us personality-wise very well and brings a classical edge musically. When he sent his demo playing over our songs I loved it. I woke up our guitarist at 2 a.m. saying, “you have to here this.” Bill heard him and said, “we can’t let this guy go.”

Bill handles production duties for “R.I.S.E.,” creating a sonically superior album that captures Psychoprism’s prog intricacies perfectly

Jess: All the components are there. Not only what’s correct for him but also trouble shooting for the rest of the band. His passion and love for the guitar and the band is an extension of his being. I don’t think we’d be a band without him.

Bill also produced our first album and you can hear a great improvement in the production skills. That’s because he’s so hard working. It is an example of his analysis and how he improves on things. He’s always reading, experimenting, never stops trying to make things better.

Tell us about the rest of the band

Jess: Kevin (drummer) is a prog player that maintains feel. He’s like an old Camaro, a rumbling big block and you hit the gas and it roars. (Bassist) Eric’s hands move so quickly and accurately. He’s a very motivated player. Not a lot of people can play as fast as he does with ease.

Jess, who are some of your vocal influences?

My main influence, and inspiration, has been my vocal instructor. When I first sang to her she said, “you’re yelling at me.” She taught me how to sing the right way and gave me these mental and visualization techniques that I still use to this day. What might be considered influences aren’t what you might think. It’s more about the song. The first thing as a kid that I sang was the theme from the (television show) “The Greatest American Hero.” I would ride my bike singing that. Then my neighbor gave me a Cars album and I sang from that. Simon LeBon from Duran Duran has a great tone and creates great colors and shapes. For the progressive metal James LaBrie from Dream Theater taught me how to sing with a softer voice to complement the heavy stuff. It’s like a glass of fine wine in a bar fight.

For more information on Psychoprism visit facebook.com/Psychoprism