Oh, Ohanna, what have you done to me? This small, melodic metalcore band from Austin, Texas, has left an incredibly lasting impression with their debut EP. From their djent-heavy riffs to their flawless flow and seamless song transitions, they showcase their influences with such ease and precision that it feels like they’ve mastered the art of blending modern metalcore sounds with their own unique touch. If you're a fan of bands like Veil of Maya, Misery Signals, Counterparts, After the Burial, or Emmure, then you’ll absolutely love this band.

One of the standout qualities of this EP is how they create massive, atmospheric soundscapes. A significant factor in achieving this is the way the guitars are played. The riffs have this bold, melodic quality that sounds absolutely fantastic. They’re both tasteful and intricate, using different tunings and exploring interesting guitar scales to craft a sound that is fresh, yet familiar. You can hear echoes of the bands they draw inspiration from, but they manage to rework and reimagine those riffs in a way that makes them feel brand new. Any song on this EP could serve as a perfect example of their impressive riff-writing ability, but a standout track would definitely be “Impressions.” The way they layer melodies and heavy breakdowns is nothing short of captivating.

The drumming on this EP matches the intensity of the guitars, with punchy, powerful rhythms that add an extra layer of depth to the music. The snare hits especially hard, creating a percussive force that commands attention. You get a true sense of the boldness of the drums from the very beginning with the opening track, “What I Meant to Say.” While there are moments where the drums might feel a little hollow in places, they still manage to stand out and impress with their clarity and presence. The bass, on the other hand, remains more subtle throughout the EP. If you're not paying close attention, it can easily be overlooked, but there’s a moment in the second half of “Euphoria” where the bass gets a chance to shine, and it adds a nice touch of depth and complexity to the song.

The vocals are another highlight, delivering that gritty, hard-as-nails style that’s become synonymous with heavy metalcore. The vocalist channels the energy of bands like old Veil of Maya and Emmure, bringing just the right amount of vocal fry and low gutturals to match the intense musical backdrop. His delivery is aggressive, yet controlled, adding an extra layer of raw emotion to the already powerful sound.

The production on this EP is top-notch, meticulously crafted to ensure each track fully realizes its potential. It’s clear that a lot of care and attention went into perfecting these songs, and it’s all the more impressive considering that some of these tracks have been in the works for over a decade. The dedication to creating something truly special is evident in every aspect of the EP. It’s like the band took the best elements from all the influential metalcore bands of the 2010s and distilled them into these three songs, creating a sound that feels both familiar and completely fresh.

In short, this EP is an exhilarating listen that’s sure to grab the attention of metalcore fans everywhere. The band has crafted a compelling debut that showcases their immense talent, dedication, and ability to create music that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. If this is just the beginning, the future of Ohanna looks incredibly bright.