If you’re a fan of early 2000s metalcore, then Your Spirit Dies’s latest EP, Our Saints Drown in Ash, will hit all the right notes for you. The band channels that raw, high-energy sound that defined the era, blending aggressive breakdowns with melodic elements in a way that should please fans of the genre’s heyday.

The standout feature of this EP is undoubtedly the guitar work. The riffs are sharp, precise, and incredibly tight, delivering the kind of heavy, intricate patterns that make you want to headbang from start to finish. The guitars don’t just form the backbone of the music—they’re easily the most dominant element on the record. Each riff feels meticulously crafted, offering a range of both intensity and subtlety that will keep listeners engaged throughout. The interplay between rhythm and lead guitar adds an interesting dynamic, making sure the listener is constantly caught off guard by fresh variations.

The vocals are another key highlight. The screams are powerful and full-bodied, perfectly matching the intensity of the music. The vocalist is able to carry notes in a way that adds an extra layer of emotion and aggression to the tracks. This vocal style blends seamlessly with the chaotic energy of the music, making the overall sound feel unified and forceful. There’s a real sense of passion and urgency behind each scream, which helps elevate the overall intensity of the EP.

However, the drums, while competent, feel somewhat buried in the mix. At times, they don’t quite stand out in the way you'd expect from a metalcore release. The lack of prominence is especially noticeable during the faster sections of the songs, where the drums could have added more punch to elevate the overall energy. That said, they do provide a solid foundation for the rest of the band to build on, but there’s certainly room for the drums to shine a little more in the mix.

On the other hand, the bass is a pleasant surprise. It’s not just present but actively contributes to the groove of the album. There are moments where the bass drives the rhythm forward, giving a bit more depth and texture to the sound. The bassline adds an extra dimension to the songs, keeping the music from feeling one-dimensional.

Production-wise, Our Saints Drown in Ash is generally well-executed. The guitars and vocals are mixed well, and there’s a clear, crisp sound throughout most of the EP. However, there’s one issue worth noting: the interlude, which seems to play in the middle of the record, doesn’t quite fit. Its structure and volume could have been improved—at one point, I even mistook it for part of a song because it wasn’t distinct enough. The interlude would have been much more effective if it had been added as either an intro or outro to one of the tracks, ensuring the flow of the EP was more consistent.

Overall, Our Saints Drown in Ash is a solid effort from Your Spirit Dies. The riffs are captivating, the vocals are emotionally charged, and the bass gives the album a satisfying groove. If you're looking for a throwback to that early 2000s metalcore sound, this EP delivers in spades. With a bit more attention to the mix and a few tweaks to song structure, this band could easily take things to the next level.