Psychonaut have released a special acoustic version of ‘Violate Consensus Reality’

Belgian post-metal power-trio Psychonaut have released a special acoustic version of ‘Violate Consensus Reality’ to mark the one year anniversary of their album of the same name. Taken from a 10” vinyl version scheduled for a December release via the band’s label Pelagic Records.

Dynamically delicate yet still resonating with the Belgian band’s captivating musicianship, this special acoustic re-release features a celestial flute solo that serves as resounding proof of Psychonauts unrivalled cosmic heaviness.

Released in October 2022, the acclaimed second album from the Belgian three-piece takes you on a visceral trip into collective human consciousness. A journey marked by explosive riffs, soaring vocals and intricate yet catchy compositions. An impressive album which cements Psychonauts standing as aspirants to the throne of the contemporary European progressive / post metal community.

“We’ve always been interested in religion, spirituality and philosophy,” explains vocalist/guitarist Stefan de Graef about the music of PSYCHONAUT. “We’ve meditated together, had long discussions about the nature of life, and we share a common vision.”

“We distance ourselves from a system that is based on the idea that humanity is fundamentally bad and needs protection from itself in the form of a hierarchy,” continues De Graef about PSYCHONAUT’s latest album. “By no longer subscribing to the notion that we are all separate beings in a separate world that is dead and pointless, we embrace the vision of a new civilisation that is rooted in the idea that we are part of a living, sacred universe.”

Likening our present state of separation to “an island on oceans grown, de-signed to bear unpredictable wrath,” the band accompanies their denunciation by punishing riffs and heavily syncopated rhythms, grabbing you by your guts and taking you on a turbulent journey.

Violate Consensus Reality engages the senses in a way that is quite rare for concept albums, it is raw and brutal, unlike the lofty concept albums of yore with their endlessly repeating motifs and needlessly complex song structures. It stands in a long tradition of activism in music, but it also deconstructs this tra- dition by taking its loud and admonishing tone and providing it with a thoughtful base rooted in philosophy and spirituality.

‘Violate Consensus Reality’ (Acoustic Version) can be pre-ordered now

Psychonaut will tour Germany, The Netherlands and Belgium this month:

• 02.11 : Bahnhof Pauli - Hamburg (DE)
• 03.11 : Burgerweeshuis - Deventer (NL)
• 10.11 : Schon Schön - Mainz (DE)
• 11.11 : Moritzbastei - Leipzig (DE)
• 12.11 : Backstage Club - München (DE)
• 18.11 : Helldorado Festival - Eindhoven (NL)
• 18.11 : Aauw Ijzer - Oud Turnhout (BE)
• 22.11 : Cactus Club - Brugge (BE)
• 16.12 : Jubez - Karlsruhe (DE)
• 17.12 : Badeaus - Berlin (DE)
• 29.12 : CC Nova - Nazareth (BE)
• 30.12 : Paradiso - Amsterdam (NL)