Release date : June 5, 2020
Genre : Chaotic hardcore, Mathcore
Label : SharpTone Records
FFO : Knocked Loose, Jesus Piece, Vein
156/Silence has to be one of my favourite recent discoveries in the hardcore/mathcore scene.
"Irrational Pull" has everything you would expect from a modern hardcore record in 2020 : Dissonant squealing riffs, simple yet efficient bludgeoning breakdowns that will leave you with a stank face throughout the album, neck-snapping rhythmical patterns, visceral vocals and of course, high intensity and energy.
However, in my opinion, what sets this record apart from other similar-sounding projects and makes it so much more than what I have just described is the vocal delivery on this LP.
The emotional intensity of the vocals is palpable, even more so if you read the lyrics along to the music. The mixture of lethargic spoken word and impassioned saturated vocals creates such an oppressing atmosphere of tension and unpredictability which makes the listener uneasy and keeps him on the edge for the entirety of the record.
The tension is somewhat alleviated on the album's closing track "Denouement" with the unexpected yet truly beautiful and poignant clean vocal sections that come as a final, unforeseen surprise.
"Irrational Pull" is definitely a highlight of the year 2020 amongst other hardcore releases for me and I strongly urge any fan of unapologetic hardcore to give this record a spin.
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