There are few vocalists who can smoothly transition between chaotic shouts and screams to sustained, heartfelt crooning. But at the drop of a schizophrenic time signature, Baltimore-born vocalist Greg Puciato showcases his unique capacities once more on the latest output from the manic masters of mathcore.

Overseen by long-time producer Steve Evetts, the energizer bunnies of metal apply their artistic perfectionism to meticulously crafted tracks like curtain-opener ‘Prancer’, sing-a-long title track ‘One of us is the Killer’ and the anarchic circus offering ‘Understanding Decay’.

The line-up fluctuates between intensely energetic but accessible choruses, and dynamic bursts of percussion-like jams, like the belated but intriguing intermission jam track, ‘CH 375 268 277 ARS’.

Brutal, lyrical meditation on the deep and dark dynamics of relationships is characteristically deconstructed, most piercingly through the Mike Patton-esque ‘Paranoia Shields’, with the resigning line, “There isn’t a fire that I would waste to burn you”.

Such tracks exemplify the band’s ongoing fusion of instrumental supremacy and Puciato’s vocal gymnastics, engaged to explore those destructive elements of human nature, which will arouse no surprise from long-time fans.

Guitarist Ben Weinman’s mastery is justifiably show-ponied to great effect on the eclectic ‘Nothing’s Funny’, albeit as the most impressive background noise that ever accompanied a chorus. Album closer ‘The Threat Posed By Nuclear Weapons’ is an impressive conclusion with both vocal and technical acceleration, and a comprehensive dive into the arena of progressive-rock, all executed in under four minutes.

The musical efficiency of this track is indeed a concise microcosm of the album.

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