ISSUE #2
OF VIRTUE PG 6
ABOUT THE ARTIST 2
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ASCENDENCE
VEGAS LIGHTS
ENDLESS OCEANS
COMPLAINER
OF VIRTUE
NOVARA
METALCORE
ROCK
ALTERNATIVE
SKA FOLK PUNK
METALCORE
R&B INDIE POP
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A2 PRODUCTIONS
SLEEP WAKER
ART OF THE FALLEN
THE HARBOR DIVIDE
ALEX BRISBY
NU-METALCORE
SCRAP-METAL
METALCORE
ALBUM REVIEWS
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SOUL KEEPER DROWNING
NEVER BETTER
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GALACTIC PEGASUS
DYSPHORIA
COMMUNITY IS AN INCREDIBLE THING John Webb - Designer & Creator
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ll that I can say is ‘WOW’. When I started this publication, I thought that it would be a fun thing to do with my friends. I never imagined that it would turn into something with this much support. I am proud to call myself a member of the Michigan scene and I can not thank you all enough for the love and support you have shown this passion project.
This is YOUR magazine just as much as it is mine and you should be proud of what we have all started together. Community is an incredible thing. Between
digital and physical copies I am very happy to annonuce that over 150 people have shown their interest in the micigan local scene and the incredible bands and artists that have created it. This month, the goal is to work on cleaning up the design and layout of the magazine to make it more attratctive and easier to read on any platform. I am very excited to announce that many other writers from michigan are going to start contributing to each issue. Some of those writers
include Jon Vokal, Micah Cotner, and Connor Welch. I would also like to welcome aboard Shayna Ocallaghan, the new Co-Producer from this point forward. I hope with the help of this team I will be able to spend more time focusing on the design and flow of the magazine and less time worrying about writing articles; and once you read an article writen by one of them, I’m sure you will be happy about this fact as well. In closing I want to give a huge shoutout to Michael, and the
rest of Boys Of Fall for beliving in this enough to give me the credibility boost to allow this to take off so quickly. I would also like to thank all of the bands who submitted their own articles leaving less work for me to do. The first issue was a time crunch and a headache to pull off, but somehow we did it. Cheers!
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scendence is a Post-Hardcore/Emo/ Hardcore band from Detroit, Michigan. Stemming their inspiration, and dark feel and sound, from front man and producer Jordan Killcore’s personal journal, they released their first single 1.8.17, followed by the release of their debut, “The Outlaw” on 3.28.17. Since then
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egas Lights released their debut EP ‘Next’ in June 2017, shortly after being signed to independent label We Are Triumphant. Their debut could be classified as post hardcore with electronic undertones, similar to the likes of I See Stars, Palisades, and Issues. Since that release, Vegas Lights have changed vocalists and have welcomed Brian Han-
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the band has played with national acts such as Slaves, Sworn In, Like Moths to Flames, and Fit for a King, and even made their appearance on the Detroit location for Warped Tour ‘17. The current lineup consists of percussionist Crow Sixx, Bassist/Vocalist Eric Jameson, and Vocalist/Producer Jordan Killcore, and they are expected to release a
second full length album between late 2018 and early 2019, which will serve as an continuation of the story laid out in their debut album.
vey to the squad. Armando Castaño also joined on guitar to solidify the band as a five piece and help bring their writing to a new level. Since the addition of these two, they’ve been in the studio with producer Joe Stafiej working on their first full length album and have adopted a new sound reminiscent of arena rock Post Malone, which highlights their ability to adapt to
new styles and takes on the genre of rock itself. Keep a look out for their next single “Cali Ya”, which is coming out Summer 2018. Vegas Lights played their first show with the new lineup at Meadowbrook for Warped Tour and will be hitting the road in the Fall for a 10 day run down south. Their album should be out by October of 2018 so keep a look out for that!
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ndless Oceans is an acoustic/ alternative band founded by Matthew Chambers, hailing out of Metro Detroit, Michigan. Chambers began Endless Oceans originally under the name, Underground Arcade, in January of 2014 when he dropped his debut EP entitled, ‘Arcadia’ which birthed the fan favorite song, ‘Feelin Fine’ featuring Christopher Cargill, which hits heavily on the topic of depression and overcoming personal hardships. After an extended hiatus, Chambers released a new single in the Fall of 2017 entitled, ‘Sleeping In’ featuring Rick Pascoe which was produced by Drew Bender at Bender Recording. This year, Chambers decided to break free from his solo endeavors and bring new talent, DJ Stout, on board. Together, they blend tantalizing acoustic guitar with emotionally driven string arrangements, topped off with Chambers’ passionate, raspy vocals alongside Stout’s fervently powerful voice creating a
refreshing and unique sound. When asked what can be expected of the future, Chambers responded, “We’re currently working on a new record. It’s a very ambitious project and it’s quite different from anything I’ve done in the past. With DJ on board, it’s brought an entirely new dynamic to the band which I think will really bring these songs to life.” Endless Oceans’ debut full-length is slated for release in Fall of 2018, which will also be produced and engineered by Drew Bender.
“It’s brought an entirely new dynamic to the band which I think will really bring these songs to life.” - Matthew Chambers
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John Webb // Writer & Head
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omplainer is what happens when a former metal drummer decides that he is sick of the political climate of the metal scene and redirects all of his aggression towards a new genre. The self proclaimed ‘fake ska’ folk punk group started in 2014 with guitarist Micah Cotner and trombonist Garrett Doyle playing house shows and garage shows and slowly
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but surely making a name for themselves as a D.I.Y. powerhouse, releasing their Debut full length record ‘& I’ in 2016. Since then the group has been through many member additions including; Justin Dorman (drummer), Kristofer Lane (Trumpet), Nick Laforge (Bass), and Joe Kaminski (Guitar). These changes have turned the duet into an acoustic electric hybrid that packs a punch while still hitting you with the raw emotion that the group
has always been known for. With the new additions to the lineup the group have recently released ‘W.I.P.’ a two song EP which showcases the louder and more thunderous style of the new lineup. W.I.P. features an electric re imaging of an old Complainer. track called Drunk (Again) as well as a brand new track called ‘I Wish’ which has quickly become one of my favorite tracks by the group to date. FFO: AJJ, Front Bottoms, Reel Big Fish
DEAD NAME is a Detroit, MI. Based clothing brand focused around, but not limited too the music community Locally, and Nationally. Having several released designs available and many more planned to be released throughout the year of 2018. We are always looking for new band’s/Artist’s to work with and constantly planning for the future of the company.
We have several sponsored band’s including name’s such as: DEAD NERVES SOMEWHATFUNCTIONAL
INTROVERT VEXATIOUS
Feel free to submit your band’s press package via our email or pages messenger if you think your band has what it takes to be endorsed/sponsored by DEAD NAME. Follow us on our social media: Facebook: @DEAD NAME Instagram: @deadnameclothing Twitter: @deadnameclo Online Store: deadnameclothing.bigcartel.com Email: deadnameclothingmi@gamil.com
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or all those who have been longing for a way to express their innermost hidden fears, secrets, and desires - Of Virtue reaches out and hopes to be a voice in musical form. Using a combination of soaring melodies and heavy-hearted screams the band strives to welcome listeners attempting to answer a fundamental question: “What defines you?” Formed in Lansing, Michigan in 2009 with the concept of bringing positivity to their listeners, Of Virtue came out strong with their 2009 EP “To Breathe Again”. It was this which catapulted them into the ears of many of listeners eager for something
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new, something real. Knowing that they had captured the attention of a fan-base within an exhausted genre, their first full album, “Heartsounds” helped define a message of inspiring people across the globe to find their passion through Of Virtue’s music. This release led to extensive live performances nationwide with bands ranging from Bring Me the Horizon and Architects to Smash Your Enemies and Lorna Shore. The band followed in 2012 with “Learn/Love”, a limited release EP, which sold out almost immediately. In 2015, Of Virtue added more power to their sound via the release,
“Salvation”, an album which has grown to be a staple for the band’s sound. Later in 2017, the band released a stand-alone single, “Ghost Town,” and quickly added it to their live show only to be met with. Of Virtue continues touring constantly to bring its sound to as many people live as possible. They have performed in the majority of states in the Continental U.S, in 12 countries in Europe and beyond. They have sold music and merchandise to over 50 countries across 6 continents. They have played several major heavy music festivals including Warped Tour,
Cornerstone, JAMboree, Bled Fest, and Rockapalooza. Hot Topic awarded them the Band Grand prize in 2010 and the Earn It Yourself tour, which put them on the Kevin Says Stage at Warped Tour Detroit in 2011. Of Virtue have built a reputation an unmatched act supporting such bands Bring Me The Horizon, Of Mice and Men, Every Time I Die, The Ghost Inside, For Today, Architects, and many others. The band has no plans to stop or slow down soon, on the contrary.
NOVARA Popular music seems to be making a major shift yet again. Emotional and impactful singing is complemented by musical instrumentals and powerful melodies. The upbeat, party-style popular music seems to be making an exit, making room for this new wave. This provides the opportunity for bands like Novara to lead this wave. Unlike anything you have ever heard, yet incredibly natural,
Novara has taken the initiative to combine the styles of R&B and indie-pop into one. The result is nothing short of a masterpiece. The sound is so new yet so welcoming it causes the listener to ask themselves “why has no one done this before yet?”. Fronted by Samantha Norman’s unmistakable voice, Novara expresses melodies and lyricism that completely cater to the modern music listener.
Their most recent singles, “Rain” and “Too Sweet” are incredibly catchy and well written, containing substance for the listener to dig into but fun lyrics that are instantly easy to sing along to. Novara will absolutely be making an impact in the near future, and their current music should absolutely be in your summer playlist cycle!
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Jon Vokal // Writer & Editor
For musicians, the craft and art that they make is their prised possession. To them, there is nothing that comes as personal and as rewarding as the creation of music. While they put all their effort into making their musical craft as genuine as possible, Alex Brisbey is there to help visualize it. Alex, who is a musician himself, has created some jaw dropping images through his graphic design work and photography. His approach to all of his crafts represent that same level of passion and commitment that any talented musician has. Alex has even recently expanded his talents by offering music videos that look incredibly elegant and profes-
@ALEXBRISBEY
sional regardless of his newness to the craft. Alex is there working hard behind every camera and keystroke that helps musicians truly make their art come to life. His work never fails to be incredibly creative and properly capture the aesthetics his clients are trying to promote; and the results truly speak for themselves. The best part is the fact that Alex sympathizes with his fellow artists and charges incredibly affordable prices for such great work. Using top end gear, paired with an amazingly expansive portfolio, it’s quite clear who the best choice for visual work in the Detroit area. You can see his work on his instagram or website!
ALEXBRISBEY.COM
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A TRACK BY TRACK WITH ART OF THE FALLEN
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rt of the Fallen stands by the art in their name, from musicianship and lyricism, to how they carry themselves. This six-piece progressive metalcore band define themselves using the term ScrapMetal, as they blend, or use “scraps” from many of today’s most popular sub-genres in the metal community into one EP.
Coupled with the diverse sounds that Guy Griffith (guitar), Andrew Pack (guitar), Aaron Oberstadt (bass), and Troy Johnson (drums) provide to listeners, are the energetic co-vocalists Steven Olsson and Corey McCray. The versatility in both vocalists, combined with the emotionally packed lyrics, and the passion that they both bring to the stage is what brings Art of the Fallen together. The ways that Corey and Steven switch
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roles between screams and clean singing, sets this band apart from other dualvocalist bands and adds to the excitement of their live product. “Don’t Jump” the EP is titled, was recorded with Drew Bender (Bender Recordings) out of 37 Studios in Rochester Hills, Michigan, and with Jordan DiSorbo with Glass Arrow Audio in Toledo, Ohio. They take your modern metalcore approach with the on your toes album opener “A Cry for Help.” Then dwell into the more chunky riffs with a taste of deathcore in the song “Poison Their Children.” “Endless Night,” gets you right back into the ferocious, fast paced, assault of melodic-death metal. AotF close out their effort with a progressive take
on metalcore with the track “Conditions” Track by track, the EP manages to captivate listeners by providing a product that all listeners can enjoy. A Cry for Help opens the EP with a modern metalcore sound from fast-paced verses and an elegant chorus, to its in-your-face strings and drums, capped by a nice piece of electronic ambience in the middle of the action. The lyrics tell the story of depression and self-destructive mindsets that plagued co-vocalist, Steven, and how all it can take is one person to change everything. Lines like “the monsters you fear are under your bed are the same monsters that made their home in my head,” and then “you opened up my blinds so I can see the light. You gave me strength and a reason to fight,” show that struggle and
revolution. Chaos is the first song from the EP that the band released publicly and has instantly become a fan-favorite. The lyrics touch base with the state of the world, and how it is falling around us. “Born into chaos beneath the wheels, crushed by the weight of our own heels,” kicks off the track and sets the tone for the rest of the song. From start to finish, this song does not take its foot off of the pedal. The third track is titled “Poison Their Children,” and it follows the story of a new family that is torn apart by the Flint Water Crisis and obsession over the lackluster attempts by the Michigan and Federal Governments to cover it up. Corey writes “this was the happiest
advancement of their lives, what could possibly go wrong?”…”and the water didn’t taste quite right.” From there the song takes it’s deathcore mantle and hits you where it hurts while featured vocalist of Michigan powerhouse band Fallacy Era, Steve Deschausse, screams “I want to fight off the government. I want to fight off this pain. I want to fight off the state that we’ve been in for too long. I want you to live in the world that you make them endure.” Fourth is the heartfelt song, Memories. The melodic guitars and heavy breakdown bring this post-hardcore song to life. Lyrically, it tells the story of a letter that was written to a loved one that passed on far before their time. Lines like “I wish you were here, moving on is not what I want to do,” tells listeners of the pain that trying to move forward with life can be a difficult task. The chorus asks “why did this happen to me? No goodbye kiss or even a wave? How do you expect me to be so brave?” As the subject is struggling with accepting what has happened. The song ends with the echoing “Please
come home,” from both vocalists. Picking back up the pace, is the fifth track, Endless Night. Start to finish, this song pulls no punches. Interweaved lyrics regarding night terrors, paralysis, and losing control tell a cryptic story. “I wander the endless night. Misanthropy in a world cloaked pyre.” “Filling the starless void with stoking blight. Spreading the ashes of a torturer’s delight. Burn the bodies, murder the light.” “Empty and quiet, not a charred soul in sight. Destined to be the world’s last light, I throw myself into the dying flames.” The song also gets to show off the intricate guitar work of lead guitarist Guy, as he throws a solo at you, backed by the pounding rhythms from Andrew, Aaron, and Troy. Trigger Warning comes in hot at number six on the record. Corey and Steven take a noholds-barred attack at sexual predators, calling some out by name. This song, which will be accompanied by a music video, throws listeners all over the map. From its jumpy callouts of Brock
Turner and Jamie Melendez, to its slamming breakdowns tagged with lines like “I don’t care how you think that you know them. They were your f*cking friends and you didn’t think twice. Your own daughter, your own son.” And “burn, burn him alive. Drown him in his own ideals; treat him like the trash he is.” The catch to the song, is the emotional outcry from Corey as he speaks “I know that I am no hero, but I have a voice, and I will never stop using that voice to fight for what is right…I have these hopes, these dreams, that maybe when people hear these words, we can come together to save this dying race.” Closing out the EP is the track Conditions. This one will appease those who like progressive, ever changing patterns, and whirlwinds of emotions. Musically, this song has it all. Catchy chorus and sing along parts, breakdowns, abnormal patterns, and everything in between all strategically placed together. Corey tackles the inner voices and the stigma that things like depression, anxiety, selfharm, are disorders and can only
be helped by prescription drugs. “There’s these voices in my head that I can’t seem to ignore. These pills and all these medications aren’t helping anymore.” Reaching the point of losing control, he sings “suddenly my mind is losing all control…I can’t feel the bottoms of my feet…as these voices take control of me.” Steven follows that with a verse coming from the voices within; “you thought you could get away? I’ll pull you back, you’re here to stay…Just know that you will never be free.” Closing the song out with a group of Michigan’s musicians that felt some sort of relatable, we have Allie, Teresa Dennis, Nikolai Cheney, and Jon Vokal chanting “All I hear are voices. Everything I’ve ever known is failing me. All I know is these conditions won’t bury me.” Overall, the debut EP “Don’t Jump” from Michigan band Art of the Fallen reaches out to listeners all over the spectrum and brings together a fresh sound for the metal genre, and they won’t stop here.
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Jon Vokal // Writer & Editor
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he most wonderful part about music is the fact that improvement never ceases, and each new release is a new beginning of expression. Since their formation in 2015, Toledo band The Harbor Divide has set sights on being the best metalcore act they can be. With highly melodic ris paired with crushing grooves, the listener can expect nothing less than pure power and emo-
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tion from The Harbor Divide. The boys have been busy since their debut release Pathos and their latest follow up Lost. Even from the two releases alone, it is obvious The Harbor Divide has found themselves in the two years elapsed between releases. The band provided a much more driven and professional sound on Lost, and the improvement really takes the band to a new level. Now,
in spring of 2018, this metalcore act is ready to come out swinging with their crushing new single Gravity. Kicking o with driven yet melodic ris complemented by passionate screaming, Gravity has truly shown what The Harbor Divide is made of. For fans of The Plot in You, We Came As Romans, and Currents, The Harbor Divide is making sure emotional metalcore is alive and well.
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SOUL KEEPER NEVER BETTER EP
2018 HEAVY/METALCORE
Connor Welch // New Transcendence
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ave you ever asked someone how they’re doing—just as a casual, non-committal greeting—and almost instantly regretted it? No sooner had the words left your lips than you knew you were in for a whole lot more than you bargained for. The truth is that we basically ask questions like that; hi, how are you? How have you been? You alright? In an effort just to give a little more than “hello.” Yeah, we ask those questions, but we never expect a real answer. Because even when everything’s gone to shit, and you’re one bad day, hour, minute or second away from just giving in, out of consideration for whoever’s asking, you just smile, nod back and say “Never Better.” In keeping with this timehonored tradition of masking our true emotions, Soulkeeper use their bitter, aggressive and heavier-than-hell blend of dark metalcore to let the listener behind the mask, into their psyche and a back-breaking amalgam of brooding, relentless and intrusive thoughts. Never Better is a continuation to their head-turning and neck-snapping debut effort, one part energy and anger, one part poetic despair and three parts immersive and captivating, Never Better might as well be the band’s contribution to the subtype of depressive metalcore Soulkeeper find themselves a bastion of— because there aren’t many artists
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out there doing it as well, let alone better. Soulkeeper emerged into the heavy music scene with a prodigal eruption of unbridled talent on their debut EP. They had two options—take a nosedive, or manage to get even better (if you’re reading this, meaning I wrote it, take a guess at which one happened). Needless to say, they chose the latter, creating Never Better, an emotional, energetic, eviscerating comglomerate of crushing metalcore anthems. Percussionist Tom Jefson remains the band’s heartbeat, creating a strong and creative firmament that allows them to branch out into previously unexplored facets of hardcore, metal, numetal and more. “Heartfelt” and “Magnolia” see Jefson’s creativity taking excellent shape, while other tracks— “Weakness”—for example, sees Jefson working excellently with bassist Niko Simning to create groove and gutwrenching heaviness alike. Together, the two create pattern after pattern of powerful, pummeling tracks, while guitarist Scott Gilmore goes absolutely apeshit over top. Gilmore uses riffs, grooves, chugs and effects aplenty to capture a remarkable number of emotions and sensations throughout Never Better, with “Magnolia” being an excellent example, even if, really,
every track on the EP is just as strong. Together, the trio— with Gilmore at the forefront— infuse metalcore with elements influenced by nu-metal, but far from stereotypical, overt KoRn or Slipknot worship. Instead, the band are totally and thoroughly unique, drawing from their own experiences to add zest and oneof-a-kind power to their music. Never Better isn’t just an instrumental behemoth; frontman Zachary Zaijian continues Soulkeeper’s legacy of incredible lyricism, emotive vocal work and dynamic, multifaceted skill with every track he graces. With the introductory numbers feeling much more unhinged and belligerent—combining violent imagery and an unstable vocal presence to convey a truly convincing neurochemical inbalance—and the album’s back end more melancholy, restrained and introspective, Never Better takes the listener on a journey of sorts, with Zaijian as the storyteller. Fortunately, it turns out that Zaijian is far from a monotonous master of lore—as he keeps the listener thoroughly entranced throughout the EP using high screams, low bellows and just about everything in between, constantly keeping the listener on their toes. Where I could take you through the annals of every track Never Better bears, it makes more sense
to experience it individually, as each track sees Zaijian—and the remainder of Soulkeeper altogether—giving it their collective all, and the result is nothing short of breath-taking. Emotional and aggressive— intelligent but primal and basal, Never Better appeals to every aspect of the human condition found buried within the listener’s psyche. As it stands, Never Better follows the trends set by its predecessor in practically all ways, improving on each one—with one glaring exception. Soulkeeper are one of those bands whose efforts are immense enough that the listener simply can’t help but find themselves dissatisfied by the brevity of their release. It was true on Get Well Soon, and it’s sadly true here. Where Never Better is excellent, it is all too fleeting, making the listener wish there was just a little more of it to go around—but then again, if the listener is left with nothing but wanting, is that really so bad? Ultimately, Soulkeeper have taken their potential and turned it into power, storming to the forefront of the contemporary underground metalcore scene, ensuring that, truly, they’ve never been better.
9/10 For Fans Of: Barrier, Sworn In, VCTMS, Deadland
DROWNING 23 2018 HARDCORE
Connor Welch // New Transcendence
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ne of my favorite things about heavy music—hardcore especially—is its ability to capture so much within the confines of a band’s dynamic. Each song tells a story; that much is obvious, but what’s more is how every song gives insight into the people who made it—their stories, their trials and tribulations, and the place they call home. This is true for the lion’s share of hardcore bands, but among them all, it holds most true for Chicago hardcore unit Drowning. Taking a raunchy, streetsavvy breed of beatdown hardcore and infusing it with distinct hip-hop and nu-metal influences both, ranging from borderline Bizkit worship to poignant, powerful tales from the Chi, Drowning capture the essence of Chicago living so expertly that even someone who has never spent more than a week there—so, someone like me—can feel like they’ve spent a decade or more roaming those streets. Still heavy as all hell, but carefully and creatively written to tell stories of struggle, near-defeat and subsequent overwhelming victory, 23 is the voice of an act with one foot locked firmly in traditional hardcore and beatdown influence and another sneaking its toes into something new and exciting, creating a sound that will serve as a template for artists to come for years. 23 is a record as grandiose as its name implies, infringing on a truly legendary status. Taking Drowning’s background as a cold-blooded, hard-asnails Midwestern beatdown
hardcore band, 23 sees the outfit renovating their sound with the infusion of overt hip-hop and nu-metal sounds, coming across as the ten-ton heavyweight, older, buffer and more streetsavvy Limp Bizkit—but fear not, because the band’s penchant for bone-busting heaviness still reigns supreme. Songs like “U.A.S.H.” and “World of Snakes” are immolating from start to finish, combining punchy, huge drums with soul-smothering chugs and thick, bouncy bass that creates layer after layer of oppressive mayhem. Meanwhile, “Run It” and “Want It More”— not to mention “Gods,” which is absolutely true to its name—draw more heavily from a newfound love of 90s-era hip-hop and nu-metal. Here, the bass kicks it up a notch, echoing every dense smack of the kick drum, brilliantly contrasting the sharp, slicing snare. Even with the more mellow and fluid atmosphere that rears its head during parts of the aforementioned tracks, there are still some hectic moments and hellishly hot leads found within, not mention buildups to bare-knuckle, gut-busting, skull-cracking beatdowns and breakdowns that hit harder than Mike Tyson after a bad breakup. Every song brings something heavy to the table to keep Drowning’s sprawling, extant fan base on board—while infusing
something truly new and unique, appealing to fans of heavy music spanning generations. Even if you’re reading this and have (somehow) never actually heard Drowning’s music before, I’d be more than willing to bet you’re at least familiar with the attitude and intensity they bring to their music and the Chicago heavy music scene as a whole. Packed with aggressive, violent and, at times, introspective energy, 23 is, in that respect, no different. Also following in the footsteps of it’s predecessors, 23 boasts a large range of guest vocal appearances from heavy hardcore, blackened/ slamming death metal and hiphop alike—but it’s all just icing on top of the band’s resident frontman’s excellent efforts. A departure from their previous efforts, 23 sees Drowning utilizing much less native harsh (or “screamed” if the term “harsh vocals” bothers you) vocal work in favor of raw, half-yelled, halfspat, fluid and catchy syllabic excellence. Songs like “Run It” highlight this—as even when I wasn’t the biggest fan of the track originally, it quickly grew on me—and “Want It More,” as well as many others. On the other hand, “World of Snakes” and “Burnin’ Alive” are throwbacks to the more beatdown-heavy range of Drowning’s dynamic spectrum. The takeaway is simple—even
with the use of several styles and touching on several topics ranging from personal to pure hatred, Drowning are consistent and crushing vocally, just as they are instrumentally. 23 might not be for everyone at first—but I’d bet the farm that after a very short learning curve, listeners with any background in heavy music will find themselves addicted. Drowning bring heaviness, catchiness and creativity by the boatload in an effort to turn rap, metal, hardcore—all of it—on its ear. From “Burnin’ Alive” to “Uninspired” and “U.A.S.H.” and beyond, the band have outdone their already-monstrous effort EgoTrip with ease, creating an album that throws it back just enough to play to nostalgia, but still manages to be unique and legendary in its own right.
10/10 For Fans Of: Limp Bizkit, Wolfpack, E Town Concrete
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GALACTIC PEGASUS DYSPHORIA EP
2018 PROGRESSIVE METALCORE
Connor Welch // New Transcendence
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hen screening someone for depression, one of the cardinal things you’re instructed to look for is a sense of dysphoria. Among other things— depressed mood, fatigue, hopelessness and anhedonia—dysphoria is a powerful indicator that one has lost their place mentally and emotionally within their own lives and the world as a whole. A persistent, nagging sense of dissatisfaction that strikes pervasively through every aspect of life, dysphoria is an oppressive antagonist of an optimistic mindset. It forces you to wander, without a goal or an idea how to even get found or get back on the right track. Within dysphoria’s haze, you become lost—it’s true of the mindset, and it’s true of the 2018 EP by Canadian progressive metalcore outfit Galactic Pegasus. Groovy, intense, heavy as hell and relentlessly groovy, Dysphoria sees the band at their most outright oppressive yet, using crushing, downtuned grooves and eerie, hair-raising riffs in an oscillatory manner on every track the release has to offer, sparking a powerful, pitinducing display of unhinged, djent-tinted metalcore that is bound to set a fire in the listener’s headphones. Galactic Pegasus aren’t a band whose name might imply ruthlessness, but as soon as “Beginning of Infinity” kicks in,
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that’s exactly what the listener gets. Dysphoria is a punishing release that utilizes extreme ends of the heavy music spectrum to keep the listener on their toes for the duration of the release. Songs like the looming and brutalizing introduction, as well as “Violenti Non Fit Injuria” and “The Looking Glass” are nothing short of immolating, using aggressive, headstrong percussion as a backdrop for bouncy, hectic bass work and djent-tinted riffs and grooves that will have the listener’s head banging in no time. Meanwhile, much of the album closer, “Shadow King,” lingers on a more melancholy and gloomy note, spending its first half as more of a dirging, solemn anthem more than any of its angry and intense counterparts did. This serves to highlight the band’s musical diversity—as they can easily and excellently capture heaviness and brutality with a progressively-tinted lens, so can they capture ethereality and despair, with portions of “Shadow King” and seconds of “Akuma” conveying that without skipping a beat. Galactic Pegasus’ vocal effort is every ounce as dynamic as their musicianship, even if it finds itself slightly more subject to criticism. For the vast majority of Dysphoria, the band’s vocals are a perfect depth and candor, with “Beginning of Infinity”
launching headlong into gritty growls that spend much of the EP oscillating between harsh, midrange yells and savage bellows. “Akuma” is another example of this; as the group’s vocal element blends peerlessly with the bold, groovy (but still bone-busting) nature of the instrumentation. However, “Shadow King” throws a wrench in the works. While the band’s musical dynamism is nothing short of jaw-dropping, the vocal work throughout the opening half seems out of place— which isn’t to say it’s bad, but more to say it simply doesn’t fit. Because of this, the sublimely grim atmosphere established by the sullen drums and somber fretwork is squandered until the song picks up the pace, ending Dysphoria in a fashion not dissimilar to the remainder of the release. While Dysphoria is a brief listen, it is diverse. As mentioned previously, it is, without a doubt, Galactic Pegasus’ heaviest release to date, it also stands to be one of their most diverse (with portions of Phantom of the Hill a close rival). Combining moments of unfiltered ethereality with a backbone of blistering aggression. Some parts work—and some not as much— but it’s a welcome infusion of (continued) experimentation that showcases the band as one not content with stagnation.
The result? Dysphoria, a release that entrenches the listener in a haze of oppressive, dissonant devastation with just enough atmosphere to keep things aloft.
8.5/10 For Fans Of: Struc/Tures, Allies to the Adversary, Veil of Maya, Volumes
CONTRIBUTORS STAFF JOHN WEBB - DESIGNER / WRITER / HEAD SHYANA OCALLAGHAN - DESIGNER / CO-HEAD CONNOR WELCH - WRITER / REVIEWS JON VOKAL - WRITER MARISSA WARD - WRITER MICAH COTNER - WRITER
DONORS ASHLYN WILSON ROBERT MOSCOSO ALEX BRISBY
FOR INFOMATION ON SUBMITTING YOUR BAND OR BRAND CONTACT JOHN WEBB AT MUSICORE734@GMAIL.COM