Syracuse, New York based Deathcore band So This Is How It Ends just released their new EP, "D(r)EAD" on Friday, August 10th and it is insane.
Using 8 strings, John Richardson and Brandon Tredo (Guitars) show the Metal world just how low they can go with their new EP. 8 string guitars are incredibly versatile, capable of extending range to hit notes that are outside of the normal spectrum of possibility with standard guitars. In the case of So This Is How It Ends, they're going for the heart-shattering heavy sound of extreme low tuning.
"Downfall" starts off with creepy guitar effects and some backmasking before launching the listener headfirst into a sonic assault. Taylor Porter (Drums) sounds massive here, establishing the downtempo but incredibly heavy sound that will dominate this fresh new release. This shorter introductory track serves to set the mood perfectly; this is a dark and dominating sound. Giuseppe Cuozzo (Vocals) introduces his style on this song, and although the track itself is short it feels well written and complete.
The title track "D(r)EAD" begins with a dissonant and shivering guitar, before introducing more of Cuozzo's higher register vocals. His style is mature and developed, yet overflowing with rage and regret. I hesitate to call his style angsty, because despite lyrics like "Grief consumes all of me," they're delivered in a violent fashion. His vocals are often backed with a much lower layered growl.
"Question" delves deep into the mind of the major depressed subject, "I feel like I've done nothing
But eat, sleep, and dig my grave." This song continues the intense heavy low sound that the band has established, and really focuses on delivering the lyrical message.
My favorite song on the EP, "Empty" contains more interesting dissonant guitars, and features a unique breakdown section where the entire band is mired in a fog of reverb before coming back to the present and powerful sound that's been captured immaculately thus far.
The 5th and final track, "Undone" wraps the EP release in a wonderfully dreadful bow, beginning and ending with more unsettling backwards guitars. It even offers some semblance of hope at the end; "I still try to find a way to survive." Cuozzo's deathcore highs are impressive on this finale.
The recording is top notch on this album. One of the trickiest challenges when using extended low guitars is how to differentiate the bass tones from the lowest notes on the guitar. It can be tough to pick Chandler Porter (Bass) out of this mix. However, the extremely dark and low feeling on this EP is thick and tough. No one instrument jumps up as a standout, there are no traditional solos here, instead they all work together to serve up an unhealthy amount of heavy to the listener.
The crazy low 8 string tones reminds me of the first time I heard Black Tongue. However, I think that the songwriting here is much stronger and cohesive, and although they do use it, the band doesn't rely too heavily on long open notes just for the sake of being low.
This is a really creative offering of the dark arts, and I think that you Skulls will enjoy it. However, don't take my word for it! YOU need to go check out So This Is How It Ends for yourself! Congratulations to the band for their release of "D(r)EAD" and best wishes from 5 Skull Reviews!
"D(r)EAD"
Type: EP release
Release date: August 10th, 2018
Label: Self-released
Art: Scott Garland
Tracklist:
01. Downfall (2:34)
02. D(r)EAD (3:02)
03. Question (2:28)
04. Empty (4:06)
05. Undone (3:04)
How to get it:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Sothisishowitends/
Bandcamp:
https://sothisishowitends.bandcamp.com/
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/EAD-Explicit-This-How-Ends/dp/B07G7JGFBH
THE VERDICT:
5 out of 5 Skulls
