Thoughtcrimes (Ex-Dillinger Escape Plan) Get Sludgy on “New Infinities”

Fledgling metal outfit Thoughtcrimes, the Long Island-based band led by former The Dillinger Escape Plan drummer Billy Rhymer, have released “New Infinities,” a fresh single off of their upcoming Altered Pasts album.

The song is quite a bit sludgier, juxtaposing the heavy guitars with shimmering strings—courtesy of Seven)Suns violinist Earl Maneein. The Dillinger Escape Plan ties run deep—the string and percussion ensemble recorded a cover of “43% Burnt” and later collabed with Dillinger. Rhymer explains how “New Infinities” came to be:

“Our good friend Earl Maneein of Seven)Suns is an absolute musical genius. This track was a complete accident as he came down to the studio to work on some of his arrangements with me on drums. We had every intention of doing so until we started jamming and wrote this song’s foundation almost entirely in one take.

“Rick [Pepa, vocals] heard the demo and urged for us to put it on the record. With Earl’s blessing, we made that happen. He and Jennifer DeVore performed all of the string arrangements for this and ‘Keyhole Romance.’ Hats off to our producer Mike Watts for nailing the mix on the first pass.”

Altered Pasts comes out on August 24 via Pure Noise. The album was recorded in 2020 with Watts at VuDu Studios. A press release for the album highlights the varied nature of the music, which Rhymer describes as integral to Thoughtcrimes’ sound.

“I feel like when you’re on 10 all the way it’s less impactful,” says Rymer. “I think dynamics are crucial in music, and having those moments makes the heaviness more profound.”

Prior to Altered Pasts, Thoughtcrimes released their debut EP, Tap Night, digitally in 2019. They have a few upcoming live shows to go along with the album release.

With Zao
09/07 Columbus, OH – Ace of Cups
09/08 Baltimore, MD – Ottobar
09/09 Amityville, NY – Amityville Music Hall (No Zao)
09/10 Philadelphia, PA – Kungfu Necktie