Shipwreck AD - Abyss
Rating
RIYL
BlacklistedModern Life Is War
Integrity
Ringworm
Tracklist
1. Squall2. Nereus
3. Samur
4. Beached
5. Helix
6. Miasma
7. Lotus
8. Erebos
9. Thaw
10. Ascent
11. Zenith
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I think we need to give Deathwish Inc. a round of applause for being the most consistent label in hardcore. The quality of hardcore releases has certainly been in a decline over the last few years. While labels like Victory and Trustkill have seemingly abandoned their roots in favor of more accessible and often laughable bands who consider themselves ‘hardcore’, Deathwish Inc. has been signing the most dedicated new bands which embrace the work ethic and aesthetics of which the genre has built its foundation on. One of their latest signings, Shipwreck AD, has reminded me that there is still plenty of life left in hardcore and that there are bands who are still willing to pour their heart and energy into the music.
The Abyss is the perfect debut because it runs through each song with a seemingly effortless display of impressive musical chops. “Squall” is a mammoth opening track with pulsing double-bass and dominant guitars rising in intensity as the abrasive vocals slice through the commotion. Shipwreck keep things moving fast and never look back, utilizing tight songwriting and pure adrenaline to fuel their relentless vessel of destruction. Whether it is the guitar solo in “Nereus” or the acoustic guitars in “Samur” and “Beached”, the band employs unique and remarkable moments to retain the listener’s attention which keeps the record from being just another aggressive hardcore release.
Most of the songs run around 3 minutes containing their fair share of chugging guitars and sludgy breakdowns, but, as previously mentioned, they still each have their own distinctiveness. One of my favorite tracks, “Lotus”, contains a surprisingly catchy and accessible lead riff which reminds me of some of my favorite metal bands from the 90's like early Life of Agony or even Integrity. “Erebows” is the fastest song and is a blazing slice of punk influenced hardcore.
My only complaint with the album is that they don’t expand upon some of their more ambitious ideas. Songs like “Ascent” and “Zenith” have an epic feel to them without actually being as colossal as they could have been. But this is just a minor complaint since both of the aforementioned songs are excellent nonetheless. I would just be interested in hearing the band expand their sound past the 4 minute mark.
Also of note is the band’s lyrical approach which is much more poetic and symbolic than many of their peers. It ties the nautical concept in nicely with more introspective themes without sounding contrived. All these elements combined make for a nice cohesive feel throughout the record. Shipwreck effectively runs through a myriad of styles that have been employed by hardcore bands over the years and condenses them into a short and easy to digest form. They may not be reinventing the wheel, but they are certainly making a better, stronger, and more efficient wheel. One that is ready to roll over anything in its path.
--Dave Spak
Comments
Toronto, Ontario
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Ann Arbor, MI
DETH ROK!!!!
2.5/5