HVR3’s self-titled EP presents a raw and intense blend of metalcore with hints of southern metal, showcasing the band’s potential but ultimately held back by rough production. The music is fast, aggressive, and full of energy, yet the overall sound feels veiled and muffled, making it harder for the band’s strengths to shine through.

The opening track, “Old Sic,” features ripping riffs and punchy drums, giving the song an immediate sense of intensity. The riffs carry a southern influence, reminiscent of Every Time I Die, with a chuggy groove that’s engaging. However, the mix leaves much to be desired, as the bass comes across as muffled, and the vocals are buried beneath the wall of sound. While the breakdowns do highlight the thick bass, the overall production holds back what could have been a solid opening.

“Mouth of War” introduces some backing vocals, which offer a welcome bit of variety, though they still feel rough and underproduced. The bass here is deep and commanding, with riffs that maintain their chuggy power. The drums are tight and precise, giving the track a solid backbone, but the backing vocals continue to sound out of place, lacking the clarity and strength needed to truly elevate the song.

“Shift” brings some interesting dynamics with tight, sharp drumming and erratic, groovy riffs. The drums take center stage at times, showing technical skill and adding a layer of complexity to the track. Once again, though, the backing vocals fall flat, sounding forced and out of place. The bass stands out during the breakdowns, providing a deep, resonant tone that adds weight to the track. Still, the main vocals are hard to make out, which detracts from the song's overall impact.

By the time “Dali” rolls around, the band’s punk-metal style is fully on display, with more intense screams and aggressive instrumentation. However, the same production issues persist, and the vocals remain difficult to hear. The backing vocals return but continue to sound rough and ineffective. Despite these flaws, the bass maintains its thickness and depth, especially during the breakdowns, and provides one of the EP's standout elements.

Overall, HVR3’s self-titled EP has its moments, with dynamic drumming, thick bass, and aggressive riffs that show promise. The southern-tinged metalcore influences are clear, but the rough production and buried vocals hold the band back. The potential is there, and with a cleaner mix, they could deliver a much more powerful listening experience. As it stands, this EP is an enjoyable yet imperfect introduction to the band’s sound.