Sheffield’s While She Sleeps
have been carrying the rather heavy tag of ‘Britain’s Best New Metal Band’
around their necks for the last 12 months or so, and with their debut full
length album dropping with gargantuan expectation, you could expect the
pressure to get to the metalcore five piece. Luckily they’ve kept their heads
above water and delivered an absolute behemoth of a record, and one that hits
so hard it’s sure to be clawing it’s way to the top of 2012’s ‘Top Ten Albums’
lists across the web by the time the year is through.
‘This Is The Six’ is quick out
of the blocks, taking off at breakneck speed with ‘Dead Behind The Eyes’, which
has intelligent riffing and a combination of chugs and melodic guitar notes.
The passionate and attitude-laden vocals make this track a head-banger’s dream,
driving the song ahead intently. It’s a great opener, but it doesn’t let up as ‘False
Freedom’ hits, taking melody to the forefront with shredding guitars and
shout-along vocals (including a great use of the sometimes overdone ‘gang
shouts’ throughout). Phenomenal breakdowns, tight rhythms and a final push that
comes after a quiet piano break give this track an intense edge.
‘Satisfied In Suffering’ has
heavy, progressive guitars, bouncing beats and an emotional streak. This track
really packs a punch, the layering of instrumentals creating a huge impact. It’s
fist pumping delight, as is ‘Seven Hills’, which is a thunderous chunk of
metalcore with true feeling, the chorus exploding on a grand scale. ‘Our
Courage, Our Cancer’ is thoughtful and diverse, starting with soft piano before
the whole band drop in, a wall of sound being created. It’s pure, again
channelling passion, with some of the catchiest hooks of the album so far. It’s
a crowd pleaser (including a revisited line from staple mark WSS song ‘The
North Stands For Nothing’).
Title track ‘This Is The Six’
sums up the band with fury and unity with everything turned up to 10 and some
of the heaviest riffs WSS are capable of producing. It’s the perfect frontline
song for the album, the adrenaline flowing incessantly. ‘The Chapel’ is a 2
minute instrumental interlude of atmospheric guitars that breaks things up
perfectly before ‘Be(lie)ve’ (a previous single reworked for the album) arrives
in spectacular style. A technically astounding heavy track, the efficient chugs
combine with sweeping guitar licks and growled vocals, the outcome of which is
awe-inspiring. Driving distorted chords and one of the best choruses (purely
for venomous value) makes this song unforgettable. A hardcore gem.
‘Until the Death’ is a tornado of guitars,
thick bass tones and hard-hitting drums, and it’s another example of British
metalcore at its very best. It builds and drops steadily, and when it really
gets going it’s a heavy onslaught. ‘Love At War’ has another soft piano
introduction, combining with group vocals that build before drums crash in, yet
more heaviness and machine-gun beats taking centre stage. It’s an uplifting,
melodic experience that is laced with hooks.
‘The Plague Of A New Age’ is a
rip-roaring slab of hardcore punk, with yet more intense riffing and vocals
that are spat with anger and power. ‘Reunite’ is a calming, solitary exit, with
rolling piano keys and group sung vocals adding to the harmony of the record.
Influences seem to span from
the likes of Gallows to Slipknot, combining elements of punk and metal in a way
that works in a fantastic fashion. It’s a believable sound and much of the
switches in pace and style are often quite unexpected. It’s not a straight down
the line metal album and that’s really quite refreshing.
The album is an assured, mature
and heavy offering that stands head and shoulders above much of what is
currently being offered in the metal and hardcore scene, and that’s a huge
positive as there as absolutely amazing Brit bands doing great work at the
moment. But While She Sleeps are different – their music is passionate,
heartfelt and brutal, making ‘This Is The Six’ a group of songs that aren’t to
be sniffed at.
