It’s a new year, so no time to waste.  Lets get the ball rolling on some new metalcore for your collection.

AS A CONCEIT

As A Conceit is an Italian metalcore/post-harcore quintet very much  in the vein of Architects.  Melodic leads mixed with djenty, off-kilter blasts of distortion lead to some righteous riffing.  The resulting hooks are fun and well-produced.  Vocals are very passionate, rebellious, and ripe for sing-alongs. Philip Strand (Normandie) also has a guest spot on “Idle Hands,” which with its haunting synth additions is possibly the best song on their new album, Frown Upon Us.  In fact, the work put into effects and other backing flair across this album does add quite a bit to the atmosphere.

THROUGH LUCID EYES

Through Lucid Eyes is a Canadian progressive metalcore band for fans of ERRA, Northlane, Kardashev.  Rather than just going for an emo, sad set of lyrics and hooky guitars; the focus on atmosphere on their latest album really emulates the feeling you get when nothing seems to be going your way. That weight on your shoulders.  The vocals have a nice range: brutal deathcore lows, higher metalcore screams, and occasionally even higher-pitched singing (think Saves The Day).  The guitars stick to a groovy djent, but the layering, keys, and effects on the leads make for one of the better performances in the style.  There are moments that conjure everything from Make Me A Donut to Fallujah.  Big drums, and glad to hear the bass standing out as well.

SET BEFORE US

I like to shout-out the underdogs when I can, and these guys fit the bill.  Another metalcore act emerges from Stockholm.  Set Before Us are a young, hard-working band influenced by the likes of Parkway Drive, Breakdown of Sanity, and August Burns Red.  They have so far released two EP’s and a single, the latest of which ‘Enigmas’ came out this past November.  While there is still plenty of room to polish things up, I think they have a strong foundation when it comes to catchy riffs and some vocal variation.  With the right guidance in the studio, I could see a solid full-length on the horizon.  With that in mind, the band is actively seeking labels and support.  You can check them out on Facebook and listen to ‘Enigmas” in full below.