Defocus – There Is A Place For Me On Earth
Release Date: 1st March 2024
Label: Arising Empire
Stream/Order
Genre: Metalcore
FFO: Architects, Parkway Drive, Caliban.
Review By: Metal Miguel
Since bursting onto the scene in 2019, Defocus has rapidly ascended the ranks of the metalcore genre, carving out a distinct niche with its dynamic and potent sound. Comprising the talents of Jeffrey Uhlmann, Jonas Mahler, Simon Müller, and Marcel “Bambam” Heberling. Their path, marked by early live performances, took an unexpected turn with the global pandemic’s onset. Yet, Defocus turned this challenge into a crucible for creativity, meticulously piecing together their debut album, “In The Eye Of Death We Are All The Same,” through virtual collaboration. This process, fuelled by late-night sessions and a collective drive, birthed a raw and intense sound that would define the band.
July 2021 heralded the arrival of their debut, spotlighting hit singles like “Disease” and catapulting Defocus into the metalcore limelight. With the world’s gradual emergence from isolation, the band seized every opportunity to reconnect with live audiences, leaving an indelible mark on prestigious stages like the Euroblast Festival in Cologne and the Summer Breeze Open Air. Their relentless drive didn’t stop there; 2022 saw them electrifying stages across Germany and embarking on a European tour in early 2023 alongside heavyweights like Abbie Falls and Necrotted. The dawn of 2023 brought two new singles, “Biased” and “Let the Bond Be My Grave,” showcasing Defocus’s evolving sound and hinting at exciting future directions. Their international acclaim grew as they dominated stages at festivals like the “Fajtfest” in the Czech Republic, expanding their reach across the heart of Europe. Now, as they stand on the precipice of releasing their eagerly anticipated second album, “There Is a Place for Me on Earth,” in collaboration with renowned producer Vojta Pacesny.
The album brings 10 tracks or 32 minutes of pounding metalcore that you are almost all too familiar with however I feel they bring a little more to the cake mix than the usual “vanilla essence” but perhaps a flavour you wouldn’t ordinarily expect in a metalcore band, and it’s not a huge change, but you know it’s there and as I try and articulate it now I realise it is like explaining that additional taste to that favourite pastry or cake that you just can’t quite place, but you know without it would almost be like everything else, and it’s this very thing we all seek in new music. Although I have likened them to Caliban, it is for their delivery of the riff and the breakdown that is most notable and has nothing to do with the fact they are German, although on that note I’d say this is a far cry from what German Metal bands normally pump-out. It has this “pop” quality to it and maybe that is the ingredient that I can’t quite explain, like a popping candy inside a chocolate bar, bands like Buried in Verona did it, but I feel these guys might do it a little better. The industrial drop that is infused with metal, trip-hop and various other ingredients makes for a varied and interesting mix; one I quite like.
Yes, the album is short, but each track has substance and hits hard, and they have crafted each song to sit in a numerical order of tune that suits the full journey, which is a varied journey. The production is amazing and allows all the sections to cut through and right down to the samples and keys, atmosphere and all the main instruments which have their place of pride solidly in the mix to pound you with each song. They might lose you a wee bit towards the end of “Hybrid Anthem”, but it soon gets back on pace and will give you tinnitus after you have finished, unless you already have it, in which case it acts as a lovely balancing mechanism. It’s a short album, but a banger nonetheless, and they have taken style over rules for album making, allowing their passion and art to speak for themselves. I, no doubt, expect the next album to have the same visceral attack as this one, but I hope it’s a wee bit longer next time.
(4 / 5)
