InRetrospect - current_state. - EP Review

InRetrospect - current_state. - Independent

Track List:

1. substrate.

2. current_state.

3. deadweight.

4. safe_haven.

5. eclipse.

6. counting_days.

The UK's InRetrospect is everything I want in my modern metalcore bands, and I hope it's the same for you. When I was first introduced to the band, I felt it from the first note and pound of the drums in the track 'safe_haven.'. Luckily, that feeling continued throughout InRetrospect's singles and their new EP 'current_state.'. I'm sure everyone can think back to some staple introduction EPs in the scene (I'll wait), and after listening to 'current_state.', I'd be hard-pressed not to name it as a great new edition to that list.

The band mixes modern metalcore genres with ease. There are many metalcore staples throughout the EP, including growl screaming, pretty choruses, and chugs (of course). But when these elements are not only done right but expanded upon, you can't help but take notice. There's also some programming/electronics, but it's kept to a minimum to add to the atmosphere. But, again, that's a veteran move from a relatively new band. InRetrospect is a band that feels polished like they've been around longer than they actually have.

The entire band is technically sound, but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention their vocalist Nathan Biddles. Nathan is covering the singing and screams in the EP seamlessly. Not only that, he's covering multiple styles of each style with the range to pull it off. It's a pretty impressive feat while keeping the music exciting and far from stale, which can sometimes be an issue in modern metalcore. From the music videos available, the vocalist also has a presence that must make live performances stand out. Even as a relatively new band, the sound is crisp, well-produced, and not oversaturated.

Each track brings something new to the EP. The intro track 'substrate.' fades in slowly and starts with impassioned singing before bringing in screams for the first time, layered with some great riffs and back and forth vocals dynamics. Then, a track like 'deadweight' hits you quickly with a faster tempo and low screams into a catchy melodic chorus. Throughout the EP, there are plenty of melodies and hard-hitting instrumentation. Soaring vocals and brutal lows. The lyrics are passionate and can often get caught in your head. You could easily see yourself singing along live and jumping in the pit the next second. It's cliche, but there really is something for everyone here.

'current_state.' gives a taste of what the band is capable of, but it leaves the listener craving more as it comes in at 6 tracks in total. Of course, that's not a bad thing to keep people's attention, and what's also nice is that the EP has replayability. Each song/single can realistically be added to any metalcore playlist for repeat listens. I can't help but look forward to the next outing by InRetrospect.

InRetrospect's new EP, 'current_state.' independently comes out on June 10th. Make sure you support InRetrospect by visiting the following links:

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Convictions - I Won't Survive - EP Review

Convictions - I Won’t Survive - EP - Independent

Track List:

1. The War That Followed Me Home

2. Wreckage

3. The Price Of Grace

4. Teeth

5. Hurricane

6. Everything I Never Told You (Instrumental)

7. Last Cell

Is the scene ready for blistering metalcore therapy? With their new EP, Convictions certainly believe so, and I tend to agree.

Somewhat fresh off their separation from InVogue Records, the newly independent Christian metalcore band Convictions have created a mixture of heavy music and pure emotion that may not have been accomplished before (or maybe not accomplished as well). There have always been tales of sadness in metalcore, that’s well-worn territory, and some bands do it very well. But Convictions haven’t created a concept album of relationship heartbreak (just heartbreak of a different kind). 

Through two years, Convictions performed a series of interviews with friends, family, and fans (maybe somewhat indistinguishable from each other at this point), covering personal stories of survival. The topics range from cancer to suicide, and each track, as you might imagine, hits hard. And in this case, I’m not talking heavy, even though they definitely are. In fact, this may be the heaviest Convictions has been so far in their career. Lead vocalist Mike Felker says it best, “I want to be heavy with intent.” Truer words have never been spoken in this case.

One of the significant parts of ‘I Won’t Survive’ is listening to the instrumentation, dynamic ebbs, flows, and deeply personal stories. You can tell that Convictions chose stories to share that are universal. With all the awful things that can happen in life, there’s a high likelihood that you’ll relate directly to one or more of these tracks. With that connection, the hope is knowing that there are ways to survive that pain and come out the other side stronger, as the people interviewed did. But, if that’s not your style, and you just want to mosh and bang your head, Convictions’ have you covered as well. You can just zone out and let the music do the rest. There’s no way this doesn’t play well live when shows return.

‘I Won’t Survive’ opens up with the single ‘The War That Followed Me Home. A story of PTSD layered with metallic accents, low lows, and a surprisingly catchy chorus for the topic, but that will be a running trend throughout the EP except for the track ‘Teeth’, which is settled right in the middle of the release and is easily the heaviest. No singing/clean vocals, just pure anger. Though it does boast what may be the most positive lyric of the EP, “Through our suffering, we are all connected.” Felker also states that’s it’s almost a summary of the EP and what brings the concept together. 

‘The Price Of Grace’ covers the topic of suicide, something that happened recently to a Convictions’ fan. The story is told by another Convictions’ fan who plays a massive part in the track by adding lines that the band placed in the song itself. In his own words. In his own voice. It’s heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. It’s so well done in the song that you wouldn’t be able to imagine it without it once you’ve heard it. 

Even though Convictions believe this to be possibly their most polished release, working with such an accomplished producer in Andrew Wade (responsible for many scene band’s sounds including A Day To Remember, Motionless In White, and The Ghost Inside, just to name a few) will undoubtedly make that accurate. Still, the album has a raw feeling to it as well, at least in my opinion. And “raw” doesn’t mean “produced poorly” or “lazy.” Maybe it’s how the lyrics hit, perhaps it’s how the vocals land, or maybe it’s the overall combination of everything together, but that “raw” feeling is precisely where it should be. Even with the instrumental track, this is an extremely hard-hitting release on every level. 

Here’s the business side of things. “I Won’t Survive” is a considerable achievement for Convictions and a statement release for a newly independent band. It’s entirely possible that with the support of loyal fans, this could be one of Convictions’ most significant releases, but even if it isn’t, any label who hears it shouldn’t let them stay independent for long. 

And here’s the conclusion. “I Won’t Survive” can be an extremely emotional album. The conversations brought to life are deep and meaningful, and there’s the absolute chance that listening to these songs will be therapeutic and cathartic for many. The connection achieved from band to listener is stronger, possibly than ever before. “I Won’t Survive” is the manifestation of how important music can be. This is an absolute must-listen not only for any metalcore fan but for anyone who wants to hear passion and conviction in their music.

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While She Sleeps - SLEEPS SOCIETY - Album Review

While She Sleeps - SLEEPS SOCIETY - Spinefarm

Track List:

1. ENLIGHTENMENT(_)

2. YOU ARE ALL YOU NEED

3. SYSTEMATIC

4. NERVOUS ft. Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro

5. PYAI

6. KNOW YOUR WORTH (SOMEBODY)

7. NO DEFEAT FOR THE BRAVE ft. Deryck Whibley of Sum 41

8. DIVISION STREET

9. SLEEPS SOCIETY

10. CALL OF THE VOID ft. Sleeps Society

11. DN3 3HT

If you don't enjoy CAPITALIZATION, While She Sleeps may not be for you...(kidding, of course)

In their highly-anticipated follow-up to 2019's 'SO WHAT?', Sheffield UK's While She Sleeps seems to not only draw inspiration from their fans but have also created an album specifically for them.

That's not to say that 'SLEEPS SOCIETY,' the new album by While She Sleeps (WSS), can't, and won't, be enjoyed by many, it's just that the very name of the album is the name given to supporters of WSS. Not only is 'SLEEPS SOCIETY' the name of the album, but there's also the title track, and in the track' CALL OF THE VOID,' Patreon supporters of WSS make an actual appearance. If you ever felt like a band created music for you and only you, it might actually be true in this case.

WSS has gone through some significant changes over the years. There have been label structure changes, CAPITALIZATION, but also massive changes in sound. 'SLEEPS SOCIETY,' WSS's 5th full-length album, is a more refined, maybe sharper update to 'SO WHAT?', but they're both very different from 'You Are We' or 'Brainwashed,' for instance. 'SO WHAT?' started the capitalization trend and added a significant amount of electronics and genre shifts. Anyone expecting a straight-up metalcore band, I've got news for you; this isn't them. 'SLEEPS SOCIETY' continues the direction of 'SO WHAT?' with more of a mixture of electronicore, metalcore, nu-metal, and alternative rock.

The start of 'SLEEPS SOCIETY' is pretty unique in that it isn't a short intro track, and it isn't a single. It's actually five minutes and three seconds long, which is a rather long intro in most cases, but it keeps the listener's attention right away, which can be challenging to do with a track that long. 'ENLIGHTENMENT(_)' begins with an uplifting spoken-word call to arms that transitions into a fun guitar riff and hard-hitting instrumentation. The mixture of clean (singing) and unclean (screaming) vocals haven't changed and add a catchy balance, especially in the chorus. The track showcases everything you'll hear in the rest of the album from mixed breakdowns, progressive guitar, uplifting lyrics (albeit with an edge), and heightened genre mixing.

The tradition continues with the following tracks 'YOU ARE ALL YOU NEED' and 'SYSTEMIC.' It'll be tough to not bob your head in unison and imagine how well these tracks will play live when live shows are back. The tracks start furious with quick pacing but then pull back to give the listener a breath before hitting them hard again. "SYSTEMATIC' also really plays well as an updated nu-metal sound.

Things slow down in a way with 'NERVOUS,' a single released earlier and the first track to have a feature. Simon Neil does an excellent job of adding an extra layer to the vocal style of Loz, and the track balances the heaviness and melody well. That's definitely a theme as the album progresses. As mentioned before, there's a lot of genre mixing, emphasizing nu-metal additions, which play well when combined with a metalcore backbone.

'DIVISION STREET,' besides the interlude, is the first significant departure in the sound of the album. It's a piano-backed sing-along that I imagine would be an excellent intermission song live. Easy for fans to sing along to while giving the band a much-needed break. And just like that, it's back to the WSS's sound for the remainder of the album. 'CALL OF THE VOID' could play well on alternative rock radio and could easily be a closing song in a live set. It's anthemic, passionate, and once again, speaks directly to, and with, the listener. But it's also a trick ending...

The final track' ND3 3HT' isn't necessarily a song, but more the band stripping things down and speaking directly to the fans. With the piano in the background and the band members' voices distorted like an old-school, incoming transmission from outer space, the members describe their personal feelings and give their thanks. The track lasts seven minutes and three seconds and may not be one that many listen to again, but for the long-time and biggest fans, this track will mean a lot and have multiple repeat listens. For While She Sleeps, this is the most fitting end to 'SLEEPS SOCIETY' I can imagine.

'SLEEPS SOCIETY' probably won't bring back any fans While She Sleeps might have lost through their changes in sound over the years, but that wasn't the point of the album. With the refinement to 'SO WHAT?' in 'SLEEPS SOCIETY,' While She Sleeps seem to have found precisely the sound they want, but more importantly, the fan base they need. So far, While She Sleeps may have the most interactive band/fan relationship, it seems to bring out the best in the band, which is all a listener can ask for. 'SLEEPS SOCIETY' is a passionate, hard-hitting, dark, uplifting, and possibly a fantastic album to play live. Time will tell, of course, but until then, 'SLEEPS SOCIETY' is an "ode to the fans" that has long-lasting appeal to anyone in the scene.

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Softspoken - Where The Heart Belongs - EP Review

Softspoken - Where the Heart Belongs - EP - Independent

Track List:

1. Sleight of Hand

2. Bones

3. Where the Heart Belongs (featuring Alexia Rodriguez of Eyes Set To Kill)

4. Realign

5. The Road

One of the scene's current trends is for bands to go in a more "pop" direction by taking out or reducing unclean/screaming vocals or adding electronics. One band shaking that notion and forging their path is the band Softspoken out of Kentucky. With their new EP 'Where the Heart Belongs,' Softspoken joins a much smaller group of bands that have added a sense of aggression to their already melodic post-hardcore sound.

Softspoken has always had the melodic part of their post-hardcore style down with previous releases' Pathways' and 'Deaf Perception.' 'Where the Heart Belongs' is no different in that aspect. 'Sleight of Hand' was the first single released back in 2020, and right from the downbeat, you might think you're in for something different. By the second verse, the unclean (screaming) vocals rip through, and you KNOW this is going to be something different from previous iterations. The back and forth between unclean and clean (singing) vocals are balanced very well, and nothing comes off as overwhelming or cliche. 

The EP continues this tradition with some semi-progressive instrumentation, fun riffs, and passionate vocals. From the beginning, Softspoken creates an atmosphere of anticipation that compels you to continue listening all the way through while finding even more moments of connection. There are plenty of times where you'll find yourself singing along with the thoughtful and catchy lyrics and then simultaneously bobbing your head to a catchy beat or banging your head to a drop/breakdown. It's a collection of music that demands multiple listens to pick up on everything you may miss the first time around.

In another unique move in the scene, Softspoken has made the EP available for purchase now while releasing tracks monthly to streaming sites. It's a novel idea, especially since bands' direction seems to focus on only single releases without an EP or album follow-up. It allows fans to support Softspoken and enjoy the entire EP's story or wait for the releases over time. 

For anyone missing the early incarnation of the 'Slaves' sound, Softspoken continues the tradition of passionate and melodic post-hardcore while making it their own. Front to back, 'Where the Heart Belongs' showcases Softspoken's range. Even though the band has released two full-length albums previously, this third release shows that "maturity" doesn't have to mean "stale." There are so much talent and potential in Softspoken, and it's exciting to imagine what could come next. Keep your ears open because you won't want to miss it.

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A Scent Like Wolves - Mystic Auras - Album Review

A Scent Like Wolves - Mystic Auras - We Are Triumphant

Track List:

1. Pink Dawn (intro)

2. Eastern Lights

3. Telephone

4. Bloom (feat. JT Cavey of Erra)

5. Poison

6. Midnight Eyes (interlude)

7. Deja Vu (feat. Mattéo Gelsomino of Novelists + Sal3m)

8. Death Effect (feat. Brian Wille of Currents)

9. Dissolve (feat. Booka Nile of Make Them Suffer)

10. Aquamarine

Just shy of three years, A Scent Like Wolves return with their sophomore album 'Mystic Auras,' but does it run with the pack or lead the hunt?

Hailing from Reading, a small town in PA, A Scent Like Wolves (ASLW) have continually refined and molded their sound since their debut full length, 'And The Story Goes' in 2013. 'Mystic Auras' continues that tradition with mixtures of post-hardcore, metalcore, and progressive metalcore elements. Not only that, they're one of the few remaining pure dual vocalist bands in the scene. That means 'Mystic Auras' showcases intertwining clean and unclean (singing and screaming) vocal performances from brothers Al and Nick. From soaring highs to bellowing screams, there's plenty of diversity throughout 'Mystic Auras.'

ASLW has always been good at setting the mood in their music, and this is no different, but it's accomplished differently than in their previous material. Each track sounds different from the last while still feeling like ASLW. The musical arrangements vary, not allowing the listener to become bored, while catchy choruses and driving instrumentation keep constant interest in what's coming next. 

A unique trait of 'Mystic Auras' is the willingness to diversify and emphasize features from the scene. Utilizing features is often a missed opportunity in post-hardcore and metalcore. Unlike pop, hip-hop, and other genres, features are used sparingly, but that's not the case with ASLW. Out of the ten tracks, four have features. That's 40%! Easy math even I can do! 'Mystic Auras' boasts features from some heavy hitters from ERRA, Novelists, Currents, and Make Them Suffer! That's an impressive lineup, and each makes an impact and adds an extra layer to their track. 'Dissolve,' which features Booka from Make Them Suffer, is worth an additional note as it's the first almost ballad-style music ASLW has attempted. It certainly pays off (minus a little shoe-horning at the beginning (😜).

My only minute gripe with 'Mystic Auras' is that out of ten tracks, two of them are an intro and interlude (that's 20%). Really, it's only because ASLW always leaves you wanting more. More dual-vocals, more driving instruments, more heavy-melody. It's cliche, but you want even more of the story.

One of the best parts of ASLW when listening to 'Mystic Auras' is the feeling that they're making the music they want to make. Their music feels like the identity they want, and sometimes, that can be rare in a scene of trend followers. Even though they're very good at mixing genres, you don't feel like it's overwhelming or forced. It's a natural progression of the journey they've been on for almost ten years. In that way, they'll always be leading their own pack with 'Mystic Auras.'

Make sure to support A Scent Like Wolves by pre-ordering ‘Mystic Auras’ and following/listening at these links:

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Landon Tewers - Ai640 Part III - Review

Landon Tewers - Ai640 Part III - Independent

1. Excrete

2. Blasphemy

3. Debt

4. Final Form

I once started a review for Landon Tewers’ album ‘Withdrawals’, where I said, “This is Landon Tewers, not The Plot In You”. Well, what do I say now? Technically, it’s all Landon of course, but let me introduce you to another one of his side projects, Ai640, which, might actually be the “heaviest” of everything he’s done. Hopefully, that got your attention.

First, some background. Ai640 is a concept of more than five years in the making. Part I came out in 2015, Part II in 2017, and now, Part III in 2020. In case you didn’t already know, by Landon’s own words, “This is a story about a robot with artificial intelligence that escapes the lab he was made in, sees how disgusting mankind is, and decides the only way to save the planet is to exterminate all humans”. Delightful, right? The concept isn’t exactly new, any sci-fi fan will tell you that, but the story is very unique in how it’s told in the medium of music. 

Let me do a quick recap for you. In Part I, Ai640 escapes the lab and through a series of events, decides to destroy the human race, killing thousands and creating chaos. In Part II, Ai640 meets a human named Jane who makes Ai640 rethink its’ purpose. Part III picks up farther in the future, but you’ll have to listen to find out Ai640’s fate.

It’s cliche to say, but Landon really does pull out all the stops in Part III. He uses almost every version of screaming possible in the first track ‘Excrete’ alone. From guttural bellows to shrieking wails and distortion that brings you even closer to the character. It’s an extra level of detail that, if not done correctly, would come off hoaky, but Landon nails the balance needed perfectly. You can hear the passion, the hatred at times, that emanates from his mouth as he describes Ai640’s thoughts on humanity as he moves through a desolate and unforgiving world he created. If you ever needed proof that Landon is one of the most talented and dynamic vocalists in the scene, Part III is the exclamation point to that debate. 

As for the music itself, if you miss old-school Plot, now you’ve at least got your heavy back. Part III is metalcore through and through. Throughout the entire concept, that’s been the case and there was certainly no reason to detour. The production is crisp and it needed to be with how dynamic the shifts in tone and vocals are, not to mention there are effects and dialogue aplenty to move the story along. It’s a very hard-hitting release with only brief moments to really catch your breath. A lot is covered in only four songs, but multiple listens are warranted to pick up on little nuances you may have missed the first time through.

You can listen to Part III without hearing the first two parts for the music alone, but following the story and Ai640 brings an extra layer to the experience. Even though it would probably be tough to pull off, seeing all three parts performed live, front to back, would be pretty epic. I know that’s a very overused term, but after finishing Part III, I think it applies here. 

Ai640 Part III is a definite must-listen for anyone who’s enjoyed the Ai640 story so far, but also metalcore fans in general. Sometimes it feels like it’s difficult to bring something new to the genre, but Ai640 makes it look pretty effortless. Each part has improved on its’ predecessor and Landon has given his story a very satisfying conclusion, but, is it truly the end of the saga? What awaits Ai640 and the last of the human race? You’ll have to listen to find out.

Landon Tewers - Website (Pre-Order)

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Crystal Lake - True North - Interview

Ian here! I know you're used to hearing my voice, but today, we're trying something a bit different. We've been talking about Crystal Lake, the four-piece Japanese metal band, on the weekly show Ian Hates Music with Jackson and I for a while now. They just released their fourth album True North through Artery Recordings and I was given the opportunity to ask vocalist Ryo Kinoshita and guitarist Yudai Miyamoto (YD) some questions before the big release! Check them out below!

First off, I’ve listened to your new album True North many times already and I’ve very much enjoyed it. Congratulations on continuing to put out quality music to the scene. I think that’s a good place to start. I hear a mix of a few different genres in True North including metalcore, alternative, hardcore, and nu metal influences, which is very refreshing. Was that an organic process while making this album or was it planned?

YD: We made clear what we really want to express and what kind of music we can be really proud of before we actually start writing songs.  As the result, we realized what we wanted to play was what we've been listening and various kinds of music related to the culture around us.   This realization made us free to write what we really like.

After making a mark on the American scene with The Sign, what was your mindset while making True North?

Ryo: We just wanted to make our sound more unique as a japanese band, especially its exotic melody and rhythm.

Of course, we wanted to make it heavier and more melodic sound.

With the shifts in genres in True North, was there an overall theme or message you want the listener to receive while listening?

Ryo: ”No matter what surrounds us changes, this is us.  This is the way we are.”

I was very impressed with the technical abilities showcased in True North, was there anything that each of you worked on and really wanted to showcase in this album?

Ryo: I want to show not only technics of growl and guttural but the wide range of voice as a vocalist.

The band has been around for a long time now, with member changes of course, but with such an extensive catalogue, how do you choose which songs to play? What is a favorite for each of you to play live?

Ryo: We always have trouble in choosing which songs to play.  We often change the set list right before the show.  My favorite song is ”Dreamcatcher”.  The rapping part is so hard to sing but always fun.

YD: I would choose new songs because they are made by our latest ideas and passion.  But we sometimes try to understand what kids want to hear and choose old songs.  I personally like 'New Romancer' and 'Waves'.

On the subject of touring, what’s the major difference for you between touring in Japan and touring overseas? Do you have any plans to tour the states in 2017? If so, I hope you come to Boston so I can see you live!

Ryo: Japanese wants messages and meaning from what we say, not what we sing about. On the other hand, I think people in overseas are hungry for music. They react directly.

Ryo: I'd love to!   I've wanted to see how the reactions in the states would be.  Can't wait to see people waiting for us.

For the end of a conversation, I like to switch it up from music because I have some other shows I do as well. I’m also interested in many different genres of movies. Do each of you have a recommendation for best movie of 2016 in your opinion?

Ryo: Definitely ”Your Name”.  ”Star Wars: Rogue One” will be the next.

YD: It's little bit difficult to pick up one but 'Sing Street'. It reminds me of youth.

Lastly, a weird one (laughing). As a touring band going all over the world, do you have a plan if the zombie apocalypse happens?

Ryo: I will become a zombie and eat away people without hesitation.  I will slit your guts.

Thank you very much to Ryo and YD of Crystal Lake for taking their time to get in touch with me! Make sure to support Crystal Lake by following these links:

http://merchnow.com/catalogs/crystal-lake

https://www.facebook.com/crystallake777/

http://crystallake.jp/

https://crystallake-band.bandcamp.com/

http://arteryrecordings.com/artists/crystal-lake/

And, for the full review of True North, tune into Ian Hates Music podcast/show! You can find everything Ian Hates here:

http://www.ianhates.com/

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