Genre : Progressive metal, Metalcore, thall, Djent
Released : October 27th, 2023
Label : SharpTone Records
FFO : Invent Animate, Reflections, Vildhjarta
With the release of their new EP "In Limbo", following their excellent 2021 debut full-length album, "Collapse By Design" (which ended up earning a spot on my Top 10 Albums of 2021 list), New-Jersey progressive metalcore act Sentinels revealed not only that former vocalist Josh Hardiman was stepping down due to health-related reasons, but also that the band's future seemed very uncertain for a period of time.
While introducing new vocalist Kenny Stroh, "In Limbo" 's three tracks can be received as Sentinels' last reserve against the threat of disbanding and instead, finding their footing while recovering their strength and also maintaining a good chunk of the songwriting elements that made "Collapse By Design" such a "tour de force" of progressive heavy music in the first place.
"In Limbo" also includes the instrumental versions of the tracks, allowing listeners to enjoy the full extent of any details or subtleties that can get drowned out by the vocals and/or, also allowing any lukewarm fans regarding the line-up change to get accustomed to the slight difference in style as the band adjust themselves to this newfound change.
Personally, I'm really glad Sentinels didn't call it quits, although I will miss Josh's style of vocal delivery.
That being said, I'm eager to hear what else the band will come up with once they feel more comfortable with the new line-up and take advantage of the new possibilities it may open for their sound.
Here's hoping Sentinels have a bright future ahead after this rocky patch!