Newcastle metalcore band Lycanthrope release their debut album, Chapters, after working on it for two years. This six-piece band consisting of three guitarists are out to show us that they’re not fooling around, from their groovy riffs with hints of melody to their solid and extremely raw mid-range vocal style that’s rich in metal roots while still having a strong hardcore influence. This album really kicks ass and is not one to be missed.
As soon as the first track starts you immediately know you’re in for a good time, opening the album with a captivating melodic intro that catches you straight away and a dominating scream that gives a promising glimpse into what this album is going to bring. The first track bravely brings elements of multiple genres together while still staying true to their metalcore style with a mix of harsh and clean vocals. The title of this song, Wings, is quite fitting as you prepare to fly through the journey that is Chapters. As I listen to this album I’m reminded of Gothenburg metal such as early At The Gates, In Flames and bands such as All That Remains and Devildriver.
The second song on the album, Skin & Bones, drops you straight in with an onslaught of absolute groove and catchy riffs, this song has a brilliant mix of brutality and beauty. These guys enlighten you to the shredding power of three guitarists without over doing it with ridiculous amounts of guitar work, subtle yet perfectly balanced. As the track progresses and nears the end, we start to feel that Lycanthrope are out to prove that metalcore is not a dying genre. By very tactfully implementing elements from other genres like the signature high pitch deathcore rasp and some very mellow, progressive rock style clean vocals coupled together with all the fundamentals of the old metalcore formula, they have managed to resurrect what we were beginning to feel might be a thing of the past. These boys are here to show us that this genre is alive and heavier then ever. As we get deeper into the album with the song, Follow My Name, we get a slow beautiful acoustic, much deserved intermission embracing the warm welcoming vocals of Daniel Greig lulling us into a false sense of security as we’re blown away by the extremely heavy following breakdown plethora that is Paths Divided.
I think Chapters is a remarkable piece of artwork and musical talent, any fan of metal should seriously give this a good hard listen to and indulge in the greatness of the mighty Lycanthrope. From start to finish there isn’t a single disappointing moment amongst the chaos, after only their third release it’s easy to see that this group of maestros’ will have a long and bountiful career in the music industry. I hope to see them at a headlining show in Perth at some point in the future and embrace the brilliance in all its glory.
TRACKLIST
Wings
Skin & Bones
Gambit
Chapters
Like A Ghost
Follow My Name
Paths Divided
Bitter Resistance
Blindfold
X VII
