Australia has produced some truly world class metal in the last decade or so, even in the very specialised field of symphonic/melodic black metal.
Australia has produced some truly world class metal in the last decade or so, even in the very specialised field of symphonic/melodic black metal. For example, Sydney’s The Amenta have released two mind-blowing albums that have effectively combined that symphonic black metal sound with an industrial and electronic approach; both have gleaned well-deserved national and international attention for it. Brisbane band Empyrean released a ridiculously underrated gem of an album entitled Quietus, but unfortunately seem to have called it a day. And that’s to name but two.
Perth’s Make Them Suffer seem extremely well placed to step into the void left by the latter band’s demise and continue this world class tradition, if this epic five track EP is anything to go by. Parallels can definitely be drawn between the two bands styles, with their liberal use of piano and over the top orchestration as a major part of their black, doom-laden sound. However, Make Them Suffer probably hit even harder than their Queensland counterparts, fusing elements of hardcore and even deathcore into their blistering attack; both musically and vocally. This EP is a melodic onslaught.
It’s this multi-pronged genre attack, combined with the symphonic aspects of their sound, that truly sets the band apart. The traditional metal instrumentation is a blast furnace of brutality, while the orchestration offsets this in dark, doomy and magnificent style. The convincing nature with which they pull this juxtaposition of elements off is only possible through the sheer weight of hard work and creativity by highly skilled artists who know exactly what they’re doing.
The songs themselves are excellent, spewing forth their fury, blast and brutality in liberal doses. However, the symphony and melody inherent in the tunes lends them interesting dynamics and variation not possible via a conventional metal approach. There is some serious talent at work here.
To Aussie metal fans who might wonder if anything decent comes out of this country (and there seems to be quite a number of them), and indeed extreme music fans in general, it’s hard not to beseech them to check this band out. This EP is of global standard, and must not be overlooked. I only hope to witness them live soon, and that they get a full long player out some time soon.
Out Now on Firestarter
