Counterparts – A Eulogy For Those Still Here
Release Date: 7th October 2022
Label: Pure Noise Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Metalcore, Melodic Hardcore, Hardcore.
FFO: The Ghost Inside, Stray From The Path, It Prevails.
Review By: Ryan Payne
Counterparts have been a household name in the melodic hardcore scene since their inception in 2007, and now we see them release their 7th album, “A Eulogy For Those Still Here”. The lyrical themes of this album describe the feelings of the band as full time musicians; wanting nothing to do in life except music but finding contempt in not feeling good enough as a band and the toll it can take on them day in and day out, hence the album name. The quintet from Ontario have delivered another example as to why they are as popular as they are, combining both heartfelt emotion with crushing aggression to create an album that is the Counterparts we all love.
We see the band tackle both the heavy and softer sides of metalcore and hardcore. Combining intricate metalcore riffs and crushing hardcore breakdowns with emotional choruses accompanied by beautifully composed leads to compliment the emotion intended to be released onto the listener. Opening tracks “Whispers of Your Death” and “Bound to the Burn” bring out the aggressive side, acting as some of the heavier tracks on the record, whereas tracks such as title track “A Eulogy For Those Still Here” and “Skin Beneath A Scar” are filled with emotion and are enough for the listener to open up their feelings to these tracks. The band have captured both beauty and beast perfectly with this record.
When asked to discuss about the writing process for the 7th upcoming record, vocalist Brendan Murphy had this to say about the state of his head when writing lyrics:
“I think I deal with things by preparing myself for the end, with so much of this record I’m mourning the loss of someone that’s still alive or saying goodbye to something that hasn’t left yet. All of these things I have are still a big part of my life but one day they won’t be, and I don’t want to be focusing on that instead of enjoying the time I have with them, Maybe I’m saying goodbye pre-emptively but I think it’s important to say goodbye while you can.”
It is very clear throughout this record that Brendan is pouring his heart out on every track and leaving nothing for us to figure out. The words he screams with such emotion resonate with listeners and adds to the overall effect of the album. The performance has not lost any intensity since the first time we heard his voice on record, and it’s really incredible to hear this kind of passion still alive this far down the bands career.
Counterparts are still here and the new record proves that they are still a force not to be reckoned with. “A Eulogy For Those Still Here” is a brilliant display of musicianship and emotion from all members of the band and despite the themes that surround the record, I hope they are here to stay. They are set to embark on an EU/UK tour in October and I can’t wait to hear these tracks in a live environment. 
(5 / 5)
