Review: “Laws of Karma” by Pythonic

These songs mark the true step forward for Pythonic. Even the ‘worst’ track on the EP is still a killer. We’re driving the death‑groove harder than ever. It’s as though sentience itself is calling out to you, telling you that you can’t escape it.” ~ Pythonic

Returning to the tried, tested and true Saskatoon Canadian Groove Metal Pythonic enlisted the help of Reid Paraszczynec (Wasted Heretics, Singularity, Augurium) at Lucid Distortion Audio to mix and master EP “Laws of Karma” as he did with last years record “Decomposition“. If the cover artwork didn’t give it away, the band who now comprise bassist Max Hiske, drummer Jayden Warriner, lead guitarist Ryan Hunter, rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist Vincent Kohut Guitars as well as Morgan Warriner have got a bee in their bonnet…

A vicious Groove Death onslaught from the very start title track “Laws of Karma” is a venomous tirade from vocalist Morgan Warriner who’s screams, which are on the shriller side of savage, are the metaphorical equivalent of fire from the mouth of a dragon. He warns that you reap what you sow in confrontational fashion, so if you’re doing something that hurts others in any way, shape or form, karma is going to catch up with you like the grim reaper sooner or later. Tight riffage and bombastic bass keep things tastefully menacing and sinister making this caustic abrasion one you can make your own. There is an undertone of emotive quality in the vocal performance too, telling you this time its personal long before the tape ends. Taking us back to the 90’s while finding the space between Death and Melodic Death Metal “Feed The Flame” has all the slick leads you could ever want, the groove laden percussion providing the backbone. The band have captured their live energy incredibly well and while this has all the necessary aggression, it’s tastefully controlled with the riffs leaning towards the more technical side of the genres.

A laser guided missile strike on organised religion “Set You Free” is a razor sharp condemnation of those who abuse their positions of power under the guise of holiness and therefore deserve to burn in the eternal fires of hell. It has to be said that the lyrics resonate with all that we know while the soloing is immaculate, making this arguably the finest of not only this collection but also in the bands armoury. It has the edge, that certain something that makes a difference when small margins are being determined, from the blackened drum patterns to the hummable melody, it has it all and then some. It’s not just an angry anthem but a song that has been around for some time, tried, tested and tweaked over live performances and you can hear it.

Gang chant moments enhance the big chugs of “Sentience” as Morgan Warriner vents his spleen once more in search of catharsis, the syncopated fretboard work nothing short of a majestic accompaniment as it follows at the tempo of the damned. What works so well about it is that it’s not all heavy crush for the sake of it, the band embracing vibrant moments as well which make the heavier parts stand out more. Towards the end there are a few blood gargling vocal moments too, sounding like they’re inspired by Slam and perhaps they’re the inspiration for the Technical Death Metal of “Venom“. A savage cut which wears its influences upon its sleeves, this one has enough neck snapping groove to fill the morgue, the nuanced moments crawling out of the woodwork like termites over multiple listens. Some of the percussion work is insanely good and by the end this one leaves you begging for more [9/10]

Track Listing

1. Laws of Karma
2. Feed The Flame
3. Set You Free
4. Sentience
5. Venom

“Laws of Karma” by Pythonic is out 10th July 2026