On their Wiki, this British band is described as a ‘metalcore’ band. This doesn’t really do them justice. For better or worse, these guys are a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma, and they take that even further on this, their fourth album.
This album lurches from one style of heavy music to another, often in the one song. From straight out metal, thrash and the aforementioned melodic metalcore to screamo, gothic pop, symphonic rock and more progressive and even experimental elements, these guys cover a lot of musical territory across the course of the 11 tunes on offer here. On the most part, they pull it off pretty seamlessly.
The schizophrenic nature of the album is on full display in the first two songs, with the dramatic, relentless, slow burn of Can You Feel My Heart leading into the flat-knacker, howling explosion that is The House Of Wolves. And the album progresses into even more varied territory from there, right through to the almost seven minute Hospital For Souls, which is as dark, eerie and moody as it sounds.
Here is a band pushing the boundaries of what heavy music can be. So in that sense, they could possibly be termed more of a progressive heavy music band, as opposed to a mere metalcore act. Whatever the case, Sempiternal is a very strong release and shows a band close to the peak of their powers.
BY ROD WHITFIELD
Best Track: Empire (Let Them Sing)
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: CHELSEA GRIN, MOTIONLESS IN WHITE, ASKING ALEXANDRIA
In A Word: Unconventional
