Anthropocene—a term that marks the era in which human activity has profoundly shaped the Earth, fundamentally altering its environment, climate, and ecosystems. In much the same way, Broken Vow may be a relatively new band, but they’ve quickly established themselves as a force in the hardcore scene, leaving a lasting imprint with their raw energy and unmistakable style.
Their impact? Breakdowns. Breakdowns. And more breakdowns. These guys have mastered the art of the breakdown, seamlessly weaving them into their music in ways that are both heavy and engaging. Their ability to build into and execute these crushing sections sets them apart, ensuring that anyone seeing them live will be pulled back into the pit—no matter how long it’s been since their last mosh. These "young bucks" have the power to revive the most dormant moshers and make them hit the floor.
Musically, Broken Vow displays a tight and confident playing style for the most part. The rhythm section, especially the drums, keeps everything locked in place, though there are moments when the drumming feels a bit rigid or mechanical. The guitar work is solid and refined, with riffs that pack a punch and bring a sense of purpose to the chaos. The bass, unfortunately, tends to get lost in the mix, occasionally leaving the low-end feeling less substantial than it should. Still, the clarity of the guitar tones helps carry the intensity of the music.
When it comes to songwriting, the band employs a relatively simple structure that they frequently revisit throughout the album. While this repetition could risk feeling formulaic, Broken Vow knows how to tweak their approach just enough to keep each track feeling fresh. It’s a style that plays to their strengths—keeping things straightforward, yet ensuring that each breakdown or riff feels earned.
The vocals, delivered with passion and grit, occasionally show signs of pacing issues—small hiccups that momentarily disrupt the flow—but they never reach a level where they detract from the overall experience. The energy is there, and for the most part, the delivery matches the intensity of the music.
However, the album’s most significant drawback lies in its production. While the energy is palpable and the performances strong, the mixing leaves a lot to be desired. At times, the instruments aren’t as clearly defined as they could be. The bass, in particular, struggles to make an impact, and the drums can feel distant or muffled in the mix. The guest vocals, which should have added depth to certain tracks, are buried to the point of being almost inaudible, reducing their effectiveness. These issues hinder the potential of an otherwise solid record, making the overall listening experience feel a bit disjointed at times.
In summary, Broken Vow is a band that’s rapidly making a name for themselves in hardcore, and while they’ve still got room to grow, their raw talent and ability to create standout breakdowns put them on a promising trajectory. If they can tighten up their production, the next release could be something truly devastating.
RATING: 8.5/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
Kingdom Dies
1.5
Propaganda Of The Dead
No More Air