STYLE: Hard Music RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 175575-28369 LABEL: Rottweiler Records FORMAT: Digital Only EP
Reviewed by Ian Webber
With one full length album under their belt, Bangalore-based metalcore outfit Final Surrender make this their second release on Rottweiler Records. Holding on to the main pillars of traditional metalcore, this five-piece launch straight into a progressive, melodic riff that kicks off some standard, genre pleasing metal. At times sounding like Trivium or an early August Burns Red, bombastic drums and hard-edged growls feature throughout the recording. It is obvious that these are a staple of this group, but they do throw in a few experimental notes for contrast. The jazz-influenced break of "Inescapable" adds a dark and echoey feel to what is probably the strongest track. This is followed by the dynamic and complex "Walls Of Silence" which is delivered at breakneck speed in a melodic and accessible way. As we move into the second half of the recording, the band, however, seem to run out of ideas and the tone becomes much less inventive and more generic. "Falling Structures" lurches between styles and in many ways loses a little focus which is not regained until the closing cut with its progressive, radio-friendly, clean vocals. Throughout the recording the technical skills of this band are clearly evident and they have been served well with some dynamic production. This is certainly a record by a very capable band that are still trying to find their feet. It is a promising piece of work but is probably more noteworthy as it augers well for the future.
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