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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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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