a new bad luck season begins as vctms release pain processing ii
PHOTO CREDIT: Rickelle Taveras (@rickelletavaresphotography)
Nearly two years after the original, VCTMS has added an EP to the pain processing universe. The new release Pain Processing II has arrived to further delve into the emotional themes of the first release, yet looking at it from new angles. Full of hard hitting features from longtime friends, it really proves that you never have to carry that weight alone. Pain Processing II proves itself to be a staple of the stylistic and raw musical style they have while giving a glimpse into their artistic future.
Listen to Pain Processing II here
Pain Processing II came into the VCTMS universe as a wonderful showcase of the honesty and vulnerability the band has. Where the Volumes series looks at the pain, and suffering, and trauma life may put you through having Pain Processing to show the effects and lessons that come from it offers a solid foil. The way Pain Processing II represents the musical and personal growth of VCTMS in a way that doesn’t dull the sharp and intense style they’ve built. What also really shines in this release is the inclusion of so many collaborations, because in its own way it shows that going through it all alone isn’t the way. Sure, there are times where you have to work through your emotions yourself, but the complete transformation needs to be done with friends by your side.
Pain Processing II Track list
“twenty/eight”
“victim/mentality” (Feat. Austin Hayes of Heavy//Hitter)
"burning bones" (Feat. Ben Hoagland of Extortionist)
"bed_of_nails"
"devil's // speak" (Feat. Nathan Johnson of Fox Lake)
"trauma/response" (Feat. Aaron Matts of ten56)
"clip my wings" (Feat. Juan Guiteraez)
“twenty/eight” begs for an end to the cycle. When you've seen the same traumas continuously with seemingly only one way out. For the uninitiated, you get the real story of Merideth and her struggles with cystic fibrosis, and how that constant battle has chipped away at so much of her. It makes sense that not every day seems worth it, and her giving voice to that pulls others into the VCTMS orbit. Even if you don't have a life-threatening disease people can relate to themes of losing everyone throughout a life you didn't even ask for. One of two songs without a feature it allows the entire band to shine. John Malatone screams himself raw, lending to the pain infused lyrics. The bassline from Evan Gillen drags these low droning tones that feel bone weary. Meredith hits on extremely punchy drumbeats as Mike Clampitt makes their guitar absolutely wail. Ultimately the track is cathartic, unsettling in its frankness.
“victim/mentality” goes after everyone who thinks working on your mental health starts and stops at a diagnosis. In a song that is fueled by a complex mix of envy and righteous anger, VCTMS is quick to remind everyone that excuses mean nothing. Self improvement is your responsibility and if you're comfortable wallowing you'll be left to rot. The track takes on a more nu metal inspiration with the typical turntable scratches throughout. When Austin Hayes of Heavy//Hitter is unleashed he brings the band's iconic hardcore energy. The song then continues to really grind the point into you with a violent breakdown that lasts til the final note.
Long time friend to VCTMS, Ben Hoagland of Extortionist, joins the band on “burning bones”. The song continues that rabid and vicious energy that the EP has been really honing in on. The chemistry on this one is really showcased through the seamless blend of the vocals. It keeps to the nu-metal turntable and grating chugging riffs. The drums on this song have a more groovy pace that jumps from heavy thuds to a more two-step vibe. Then hitting us with a false end only to return with one last adrenaline-fueled burst of energy acts as a fun surprise guaranteed to delight listeners. It feels like a final “fuck you” before slamming the door.
For the lone wolves in the fanbase “bed_of_nails” is the hyper self aware icon. Including some rare Meredith vocals it leans into the original Linkin Park vibes veering from painful screams, aggressive growls, and quick rap sections that bring you to reality. The introductory bassline carries a thread throughout the song that serves as an anchor as the song alternates between quiet moments to highlight the vocals, and explosive breakthrough sections that bring crushing weight.
“devils//speak” almost feels like a slower release when compared to the whole EP. Featuring Nathan Johnson of Fox Lake, it gives a lot more room to focus on each individual instrument. It’s a very drum heavy song where every beat has an echoing thud. The grinding guitar offers a wicked intensity. Vocally it’s fun with the hypnotic way that Nathan and John play off of each other as well as the inclusion of a truly disgusting ‘bleh’.
“trauma/response” pushes for emotional growth. The song steps away from the more glitchy sound that VCTMS sticks to and puts more focus on the instruments. Almost drowning in the guitar and bass it’s a song with a lot of weight. Lyrics that are self aware and self loathing, they acknowledge the trauma cycle with an often ignored amount of grounded responsibility. The siren sound of the guitar brings that manic terror that comes from being your own worst enemy. Aaron Matts of ten56 latches onto that brutality with matching intensity.
Usually I'm quick to say I dislike slow songs. “clip my wings” will forever be an exception to the rule. While beautiful in its own right by way of Juan Guiteraez's soulful vocals, the sudden dawning realization that this revisits “kill_me_please” from Pain Processing graduates the song to poetry. The reintroduction of those lyrics feels like an offering of closure. Meredith opts for haunting effects on her vocals which leans heavily into the sensation of being in a memory. As a finale for Pain Processing II it has the cinematic energy of a final stand. While the saga of Pain Processing may not fully be over, “clip my wings” shows a path to acceptance and growth that aligns perfectly with the members of VCTMS as people.
Following this exciting release VCTMS will be taking to the road across the US supporting JILUKA alongside TSS. The band will also be headlining their own tour with MIRRORCELL, WASTE, and CATSCLAW joining select dates
