Gravitate - The Reckoning Review

Gravitate - The Reckoning Review

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Gravitate's Reckoning: A Metallic Hardcore Fury Like No Other

Are you ready for the reckoning? Whether you’re prepared or not, Gravitate is here to bring the noise—and they’re bringing it hard, loud, and unapologetically. This Australian metallic hardcore band is a force to be reckoned with, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down. With each crushing riff, bone-rattling drumbeat, and gut-punching bassline, they prove they are here to dominate, and they do it in the best ways possible.

From the moment the vocals come roaring in on the track "S.O.F.", they hit like a rabid animal—raw, savage, and unrelenting. The vocalist commands attention with every word, delivering a gritty performance that carries the weight of the band effortlessly. Their voice feels like a powerful force of nature, pulling you in and making it impossible to look away. There's a natural, almost primal quality to the vocals that give the entire EP an edge. You can feel the tension and aggression seeping from every word, as the band’s frontperson conveys their unyielding spirit.

But the vocals are only one part of this relentless machine. The drums on this EP are absolutely punishing. Every beat, every hit feels calculated and purposeful, yet there’s a spontaneity to it that keeps the energy feeling fresh. The drummer is clearly a powerhouse, delivering explosive fills and tight, well-played patterns that keep the pace shifting in the best possible way. The drums sound massive, with a dense, throbbing kickback feel, especially on tracks like "S.O.F." and "No Way Out". The cymbal work on "Condemned" is a standout, providing an extra layer of aggression that makes each track more dynamic and exciting.

Then there’s the bass—heavy, dirty, and unmistakable. From the moment it enters, you can feel the weight of its presence, locking in with the drums to create a sonic foundation that’s as gritty as it is powerful. On "No Way Out", the bass feels like it’s shaking the very ground beneath you, adding depth and aggression that never gets buried in the mix. Throughout the EP, the bass maintains an unrelenting quality, never fading into the background but always adding to the brutal atmosphere. It's a testament to the band's excellent production that the bass never gets lost in the shuffle, standing its ground and contributing a unique heaviness to the overall sound.

The guitars on this EP are just as brutal and dynamic. There’s an undeniable metallic edge to them, with riffs that are relentless and crushing, yet dynamic enough to keep you on your toes. The guitars add complexity and variation to the mix, incorporating pinch harmonics that inject some welcome flair, especially on tracks like "No Way Out" and "H8 SZN". While there are a few moments where the guitars can feel a little clunky, they don’t detract from the overall energy of the EP—if anything, it just adds another layer of aggression to the experience.

The production on this EP is absolutely stellar, striking the perfect balance between clarity and raw power. The band sounds crisp, clear, and defined, yet they still manage to maintain an overwhelming heaviness that hits like a sledgehammer. Nothing feels overproduced or underwhelming; each element—vocals, drums, bass, and guitars—complements the others perfectly. The overall sound feels massive and hard-hitting without sacrificing any of the raw energy or intensity that defines hardcore.

If you’re a fan of bands like Hatebreed or Pantera, you’re going to love what Gravitate has to offer. Their blend of heavy grooves, relentless riffs, and hard-hitting rhythms will resonate with anyone who craves the raw power and aggression of metallic hardcore.

So, are you ready for the reckoning when Gravitate rolls into your town? You’d better be, because this is one band you can’t afford to miss. Prepare for an experience that will leave you breathless and wanting more—Gravitate is here to stay, and they’re coming for you.

RATING: 9/10

NOTABLE TRACKS: 

S.O.F.

No Way Out

Hellfire

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