Metalcore mob Bury the Hatchet deliver
a fresh slice of brutality with brand new EP ‘…It Was Never Enough’,
channelling their self-confessed ‘extreme, uncompromising and brutally honest’
sound into a group of songs that really pack a punch. The Kent five-piece cite
the likes of Architects, Lamb of God and Protest the Hero as their main
influences, and that’s a fine spectrum of bands to aspire to
when putting together a release of this magnitude.
The EP starts with the title
track, which combines delicate chimed piano with peaceful strings. It’s a
calming beginning that works well as a parallel against the heaviness of second
track ‘But We Still Keep Moving’. Chords soar over a steady and assured beat
before dropping in at full fury with an intensely chugged riff that cuts off
into a distorted guitar lick. The full band comes in (with the addition of
screamed vocals). Lyrics are screamed over the harsh hardcore style of heavy
metal, with melody coming from the layered guitars (especially during the addictive
chorus). The song drops off at the halfway point, building a slow groove with
some great guitar work. The half-time final push hits had, the vocals standing
out as harsh yet fully realised.
The dirty guitars of ‘Protest’
bring in another behemoth (with the influences of Lamb of God especially clear
here). Vocals tear and guitars thrash, the understated melody beneath the
chorus adding an extra kick. The band seems to shine when concentrating on melody,
which is a joy to listen to. The vocals are full of anger and resentment (“I
will put you in your place before I put you in your grave”). The track is accomplished
metalcore that can stand up to some of the best on the heavy music scene today.
It’s not too complicated but is full of enough passion to make it memorable.
‘0411’ pushes the pace tenfold
with a machine-gun beat and furious guitars. It’s a great double whammy of
brutal vocals and guitar wizardry, making it a truly heavy experience as the
song sways and shifts in an organic way. The breakdown is groovy and low,
ending the track in spectacular fashion. The final track of the EP is ‘Broken
Soul’, which starts at full throttle and never lets up, allowing driven riffs
to lead the way and progressive technicality to take centre stage. The chorus
fits perfectly and a sense of urgency floods much of the track, and the final
riffs/screams end the record on a definitive high.
‘Bury the Hatchet’ are certainly a
band to watch out for and this EP would be recommended for an exciting listen
and edgy take on modern metalcore.
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