On their previous single ‘Algebra (I’m In A Rage)’, British post hardcore band Ruled By Raptors mixed hardcore elements with prog rock time signatures and clean vocals to create a really interesting sound. It was one of those tracks that had such a spark, it more than proved – not that proof were actually needed – that the underground rock and metal scene could still serve up some really inspiring sounds.
The moment ‘Algebra (I’m On A Rage)’ crashes in with a busy riff and a full compliment of shouty gang vocals, it makes no secret of it’s more aggressive post hardcore influences. It’s not all about sharing a pointed world of noise, though; this single also presents a whole world of superb melodies which explore Ruled By Raptors’ complex style very effectively.
In terms of blending metal subgenres, Kill The Silence’s ‘The Final Word’ makes a bold statement. The track’s very heavy intro fuses the sheer force of groove metal with the complexity of prog, resulting in something that appears to pull in different directions, yet sounds incredibly tight. It takes all of a few seconds for guitarists Sam Rickerby and Daniel Ridding to make an impact, and the huge and dirty tones recall great work by Chimp Spanner, as well as the slightly more commercial sounding later works by Lamb of God, before introducing a classic sounding hardcore vocal; the kind that would normally sit with music closer to a hardcore punk sound. By the time the audience gets to grips with that, Kill The Silence switch gears to demonstrate more of a melodic streak, taking things from a techy/post-hardcore stance further into a world of sophisticated emo tones, allowing plenty of space for a genuinely powerful vocal from Jason Walsh. The way he uses his voice to soar, even when the rest of the band are tackling some rather sharp edges, sets up a superb contrast, and it’s that contrast that makes ‘The Final Word’ not just interesting, but genuinely thrilling.
Combining a stoner rock swagger and a post hardcore crunch, ‘Glass House’ by Abrams isn’t particularly shy when it comes to sharing a huge riff. Throughout the track, the band attack with a real intent, and although there are moments where a superb drum sound feels like the dominant force, a really crunchy Helmet influenced guitar sound brings a huge amount of weight to an impressive, heavy melody. The bulk of this performance delights in sharing a great groove, but even when Abrams slow things enough to drop into a classic hardcore breakdown, or unexpectedly break into a thrashy riff to finish, the tones and attitude shared are absolutely first rate.
In terms of blending metal subgenres, Kill The Silence’s current single ‘The Final Word’ makes a bold statement. The track’s very heavy intro fuses the sheer force of groove metal with the complexity of prog, resulting in something that appears to pull in different directions, yet sounds incredibly tight.