Repentance – Volume I – Reborn
Release Date: 26th November 2021
Label: Noble Demon
Bandcamp
Genre: Melodic Groove Metal, Metalcore.
FFO: Trivium, Machine Head.
Review By: Jordan Burton-Morris
November 26th will see the release of Volume I – Reborn, the brand-new EP by Chicago based metal act Repentance, which was founded in 2018 by former Soil and Dirge Within guitarist Shaun Glass. They soon became known for their distinctive heavy yet dynamic sound, packed with details, groove and intensity. With a critically acclaimed debut album under their belts (“God For A Day”, 2020) and numerous shows with high-profile acts such as Trivium (I’ll get onto them later), Devildriver, Jinjer, Toxic Holocaust and others, Repentance have taken the heavy scene by storm.
So, this EP starts off with opener All The Misery, which has a very melodic fade-in intro. Of course, this doesn’t stay. The tone on the guitars is astounding here, and the riffs are amazing. When the vocals enter, there is no mercy, they sound fierce as ever. The mix of clean and guttural in the chorus contrast quite nicely, too.
Track 2, already released, is Reborn, which features Corey Beaulieu of the aforementioned Trivium. It comes in heavy. The guitar work here is quite unmatched by the rest of the EP, with a great thunderous bassline bringing it together. The drums are utilized and quite prominent here. Then the solo comes in, my word! Not like I was expecting anything bad from Corey, but the solo is harmonized, with use of different techniques. Could’ve been a little longer, but let’s not critique Corey, he did what he came to do.
Down In The Water starts with a very nice clean rhythm, and a nice melodic distorted piece. When it gets going, it’s slower than the other tracks, but it hits hard. There’s a really impressive syncopated rhythm before the solo kicks in. And the solo here is pretty good, with what sounds like tapping incorporated!
No Innocence is the shortest on the EP, but it is very high energy. With great use of lead work, a shredding solo comes in before a chant. The punchy vocals here are executed perfectly, and the drums keep the track moving at a good pace.
Finally, we have closer, This Is Hell. Opening with a fast riff, it prepares you for what is to come. There is heavy chugging, which sounds great, and it’s very low in pitch. Once again, the drums are insane and there are a few very impressive fills in here. The bassline thunders below the guitars, giving the track plenty of weight, and the vocals deliver every word with passion.
Overall, a very solid EP by the band, with a very high quality sound. I look forward to seeing what these guys do next, and hopefully we’re not far off a sophomore album!
Definitely recommended.
(4.5 / 5)
