http://youtu.be/d3JV1zI5a2Y
Review by Sophie Maughan
Release date: 1 September 2014
Hertfordshire-based metal quintet Alone With Wolves are back and looking to claim that coveted metalcore crown with second EP ‘The End Of Nothing’. Set to drop at the beginning of September, the five-piece are riding high with an extensive string of shows (supporting the likes of Mallory Knox and Hildamay) already under their collective belts, and let’s not forget that slot at this year’s mighty Bloodstock Festival after winning the prestigious M2TM contest earlier this year.
It is very much a case of “if it ain’t broke, why fix it?” on The End Of Nothing with the band adhering to the archetypal metalcore formula throughout the record. We are talking aggressive riffs, infectious melodies and well executed dual vocal lines courtesy of Lewis Watson and new frontman Danilo Fiocco.
Opening track ‘Cutting Ties’ kicks proceedings off in a fiercely frenetic fashion with plenty of energetic guitars and drum licks guaranteed have your feet and head banging along in no time. The chorus, albeit clichéd in terms of its structure, remains ridiculously catchy and almost certain to invoke a good singalong in a live capacity. In fact, I won’t even lie – I am singing along right now. I am so impressed by Fiocco’s vocal range on this one and the soaring – dare I say it – beauty of his voice is the perfect counterpoint to Watson’s raw and brutal rasps.
The blistering tempo refuses to falter with the pounding, full frontal sonic assault of the EP’s namesake – that monstrous breakdown at 2:04 has me grinning like a Cheshire cat and still wanting more. And my prayers are immediately answered with the unbridled vigour of ‘My Life in Your Hands’. This track is probably the highlight of the EP for me, with those explosive blast beats at the start, more breakdowns than you can shake a proverbial stick at, and equal amounts of the heavy and the gentle to titillate the listener.
‘The Change’ is a slow burning number on which Fiocco truly shines. AWW cite artists such as Deaf Havana and 30 Seconds to Mars as musical influences – whilst the latter may not be the first name that springs to mind when one thinks about Metalcore, they most certainly play a part when it comes to the emotionally charged delivery of these clean vocals. The energetic ‘With You in Mind’ packs plenty of sonic punch with its heady mix of earnest sensibilities versus those passionate growls of “Get on your knees!” at 1:57 onwards and the delightful cacophony will be ringing in your eager ears until the bitter end.
Alone With Wolves might not be ready for the crown just yet, but the release of The End Of Nothing will surely cement their position on the UK scene as a force to be reckoned with. Watch this space – these guys are well on their way to becoming rock royalty.
7.5 out of 10
Track Listing:
- Cutting Ties
- The End Of Nothing
- My Life In Your Hands
- The Change
- With You in Mind
