Post–Every Time I Die metalcore torchbearers Many Eyes return with their new EP, Combust, a release that shows the band testing refinement over raw intensity. Where their debut aimed to prove they could stand independently in a saturated scene, Combust feels like a careful exercise in balance—trimming excess chaos, sharpening hooks, and exploring how intensity can coexist with atmosphere. The result is a record that’s often potent and precise, though occasionally restrained or uneven.
The EP opens with “House of Bad Taste,” immediately showcasing Many Eyes’ signature guitar shimmer. The track sets a charged yet surprisingly restrained tone, relying on structure over unpredictability. It’s a deliberate introduction rather than a bombshell, hinting at larger crescendos that never fully erupt. The drums and bass gradually dig in, giving the song subtle momentum, and while it never explodes, the foundation is solid.
Next, “The Clock Behind All Other Clocks” builds on that tension. The hypnotic, rolling drums anchor the riff-heavy arrangement, and when the tempo shifts midway, the band locks in with new energy. The guitars breathe more freely, the rhythm section swells, and the faster passages showcase Combust at its most cohesive. The final stretch feels satisfying and dense, a reminder of the band’s chemistry when momentum guides them.
By the time “Acid Test” arrives, the EP begins to hit its stride. Slick, sharp riffs scale confidently, supported by drums and bass that feel more cohesive than earlier tracks. Keith Buckley’s vocals slice through the mix with precision—feral screams tempered by control, cleans carried by conviction. Slower passages still retain a stiffness, but the band compensates with tightness and dynamic range, particularly as the song builds to a thunderous close.
“Counting Teeth” emerges as the EP’s standout moment. Buckley’s energy is electric—combining furious intensity with melodic clarity, he balances raw aggression with controlled delivery. The chorus is catchy without ever feeling corny, buoyed by dreamy, atmospheric guitar textures that expand the song’s emotional breadth. The drums snap with purpose, and the band operates in perfect sync, capturing a rare moment where Combust fully clicks: a song that feels alive, urgent, and unmistakably Many Eyes.
Throughout the EP, Buckley remains the commanding center. Compared to the debut, he channels volatility into precision—less unhinged, but every note delivered with sharper intent. Instrumentally, the band remains strong, though occasionally cautious. The guitars shimmer with character, the bass thickens the mix, and the drums provide bursts of energy and depth, yet the compositions sometimes lack the spontaneous edge that made their first release so compelling.
Production-wise, Combust excels. The mix is clean, balanced, and spacious, giving each instrument room to shine while keeping the vocals forward and commanding. Each track hits hard without sounding muddy, yet there’s a subtle sense that something intangible is missing—a spark that separates “solid” from “memorable.”
Ultimately, Combust is Many Eyes reassessing their identity. It doesn’t blaze with the unrestrained fire of the debut but offers a steadier, more introspective approach. The EP demonstrates growth and self-awareness, showing that controlled intensity can be as effective as chaotic energy. Tracks like “Counting Teeth” prove the band still possess explosive power, even if it’s burning slower and smarter. If the debut was a statement of arrival, Combust is a recalibration—solid, measured, and undeniably promising for what comes next.
Many Eyes’ Combust is less a fiery detonation than a controlled flare—intense, precise, and waiting for its next eruption.
NOTABLE TRACKS:
Acid Test
Counting Teeth