By Kenny Lenehan
Welcome! First music review under “Dystopian Mantra” Label imprint of XAAR, a dystopian metal project by Kenny Lenehan.
I have returned to writing music reviews after a while while still focusing on my own music, that itch still exists to write as much as possible! I have chosen a recent release from “Party Cannon” a Scottish grindcore outfit that delivers PARTY SLAM like no other. Before we dive in I want to thank Breaking The Law PR for the invite for this release. Party Cannon Released “Improper Use Of A Speculum” on 31/10/2025 via Unique Leader Records (I am a tad late to the party).
Watching and listening the official music video via YouTube “Improper Use Of A Speculum” upon first impact its clear “Party Cannon”are not taking any prisoners on this track, perfectly fitting guttural vocals from vocalist “Daryl Boyce” that accompanied the buffet of classic death metal charm. The video filmed at various metal festivals filled with the usual “Party Cannon”carry on with circle pits and inflatable pool characters as well as a mascot wearing skull helmet, it just wouldn’t be Party Cannon without this.
This track strikes me as more of a classic death metal vibe that is less grindcore but delivers a modern staple sound that is a contender for an instant Party Cannon classic. Having cut their teeth over the past decade and rising from the underground to the most respected stages in metal party Canon demonstrate that their unique blend of PARTY SLAM is here to stay.
Music video is tastefully put together with footage from various live performances showcasing the strong connection between Party Cannon and festival goers. The drumming on “Improper Use Of A Speculum” is on top form as Martin Gazur longtime drummer goes straight for the jugular. I personally adore the guitar tones on this track’s perfect low end but it has that edge I look for in my own guitar tones , I can’t help but hear old school elements here and I am not complaining! Production is perfectly executed and polished but still has enough of an edge for this genre.
Overall 8/10.
Official Press Material-
Chris Ryan (bass) comments: “It took a little longer than we expected, because we’re idiots, but we’re back again – this time with a big honking tribute to east coast style death metal. Imagine Dehumanized, Internal Bleeding, Dying Fetus and Suffocation riffs played by the dumbest people in the world while wearing oven gloves and you have this single. If you caught us on our mammoth festival tour during the summer where we played a large number of big fests we had no business being on, then you may have already been subjected to this song live. While our IQs may have hit new lows with this song, we’ve also reached some new heights – this song has the fastest blastbeat we’ve ever recorded as well as the henchest ultra slam.
“The song title is inspired by a major misunderstanding I had about a very minor medical procedure I was booked in for which my bandmates found particularly hilarious.
“The video was filmed over our sets at Wacken Open Air in Germany and Tolminator in Slovenia, it really captures the unrelenting ‘dumbocity’ that is a Party Cannon live show.
We have way more tours to announce soon, so be sure to jump on that inflatable and crowd surf your way up to the front with us.”
Photo credit: Steph Evans
Party Cannon recently completed a UK/IRE tour alongside Nekrogoblikon, Allegaeon, and more, in addition to appearing at some of the biggest European festivals of the summer. For a glimpse of life on the road with Party Cannon, an extensive, behind-the-scenes tour documentary – “Vomitour 2024” – featuring interviews, backstage antics, and a deep dive into the band’s history can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A6YVOiEMok
Stay tuned for more Party Cannon coming soon!
Party Cannon line-up:
Chris Ryan – Bass
Craig Robinson – Guitars
Martin Gazur – Drums
Mike McLaughlin – Guitars
Daryl Boyce – Vocals
Party Cannon online:
https://www.instagram.com/party_cannon_official/
https://www.facebook.com/PartyCannonUK
https://www.youtube.com/@partycannon-official
More About XAAR
All content © Kenny Lenehan. Not to be reproduced in part or in whole without the express written permission of Kenny Lenehan
DYSTOPIAN MANTRA 