The excessive hype surrounding this latest metalcore band might be a bit overblown. While they’ve certainly gained attention for blending metalcore with elements of nu-metal, the end result doesn’t feel as groundbreaking or fresh as the buzz would suggest. Their approach, though solid, ultimately seems like a familiar amalgamation of styles we’ve heard before, with little that truly pushes the envelope or offers a new direction for the genre.

One of the standout aspects of this band is their guitar work. The riffs are undoubtedly the most satisfying part of their sound, particularly their use of dissonant, off-kilter patterns that add a unique flavor to some tracks. Songs like “Backfire” and “On the Verge” make good use of this technique, creating a tense, gritty atmosphere that helps elevate the songs. There’s a certain addictive quality to these riffs, drawing listeners in with their unorthodox feel. However, when the band shifts gears into heavier, denser riffs—like those found on “Dislike” and “So Done”—the music delivers a more straightforward, crushing power that works well for the band’s aggressive tone. Unfortunately, while these moments are engaging, they don't offer much that hasn't already been explored by other bands in the metalcore or even nu-metal realms. Much of the other material on the album feels standard by today's metal standards, often leaning into generic, mid-tempo riffing that fails to stand out amidst the current scene.

Vocally, the band tries to keep things interesting with a blend of clean singing, screams, and a kind of rap-metal flow. This fusion works best on tracks like “Guilt,” “Bitter Friend,” and “Bloodsucker,” where the vocal patterns have a rhythmic, almost chant-like quality that complements the music’s heavier moments. The approach to mixing rap and metal is executed fairly well, though it doesn’t introduce anything new or innovative to the style. The vocals are clear and delivered with good intensity, thanks in part to the solid production, but they don’t evoke the same level of excitement or originality that would elevate the band above their peers. Across the album, the vocal performance can be described as competent—nothing exceptional, but certainly serviceable for the style.

The drumming on this album plays an essential role in setting the band’s overall tone. The rhythms are simple but heavy, with big, bold hits that are particularly effective on tracks like “Dislike” and “Bloodsucker,” which benefit from the weight of the drums. There’s a satisfying, almost massive quality to the drumming in these songs, with the cymbals providing an additional layer of texture. While the drumming is generally straightforward, the band's use of space and dynamics in certain tracks, especially when the drums are allowed to breathe, helps create a sense of intensity and power. In contrast, the bass work tends to be subtler. While it provides a solid foundation throughout the album, it rarely takes the spotlight, except for on tracks like “Look at Me” and “Nights,” where the bass has a thicker, more prominent presence, helping these songs stand out. For the most part, however, the bass feels more like a supporting element, offering little in the way of innovation or complexity.

The production is one area where the band excels in giving their music a polished, large-scale sound that amplifies the heaviness of the riffs and drums. The album is clean, powerful, and cohesive, with everything sounding thick and full. While it’s not groundbreaking by any means, the production does an effective job of bringing out the best in the band’s sound, giving it a professional sheen that suits the genre. The album never feels muddy or cluttered, and the balance between the instruments is solid.

Ultimately, this band shows potential, but there’s nothing about them that feels particularly groundbreaking or fresh. While they do have moments of inspiration—such as their use of heavy breakdowns and some creative guitar work—overall, their sound doesn’t offer anything truly new to the metalcore or nu-metal landscape. The combination of accessible riffs, simple yet effective drumming, and a vocal style that blends rap and metal is executed decently, but there’s a lack of risk-taking or innovation that could set them apart from the many other bands working in similar territories. They’re certainly a good band, but the hype surrounding them may be more a product of their current moment in the scene rather than any truly genre-defying qualities. In the end, their music is enjoyable but doesn’t offer enough to make them stand out as anything more than another solid entry in the modern metalcore scene.