I downloaded this Italian band’s debut “Quiet In Hopelessness” released in 2017, available as a free download just in case you were wondering, to check out the bands progression but it appears they have overhauled their sound from a purely screamo based style into something far more formidable and distinctly more interesting. Opening with the title track the monastic wailing and spoken words are suitably eerie but too prolonged as the song erupts with a cacophonous wall of sound that momentarily catches you unawares with its intensity. It is clear that the band has adjusted their song writing to incorporate a plethora of other styles as the opening track pulls in post hardcore and blackened ferocity. The power is undeniable and like a lot of experimental acts the band likes to keep you on your toes by switching tempos, inserting quiet phases juxtaposed against furious and manic deluges.
“Hopes Die Last” is suitably creepy initially with an elongated sequence of gently played guitar that again is a little overplayed as the song pours molten tar via a sludge laden riffing avalanche backed by a feverish blackened malfeasance. The riff break that follows is post hardcore saturated, loaded with drumming cascades and a harsh vocal display typical of the style. The doublet of “Lost Pt. 1” and “Lost Pt. 2” link well together with the former starting with an emotive guitar sequence that steadily gathers momentum reinforced by pulsing bass hooks right before the track explodes. The song has an uncontrolled dementedness about it that is blasted unceremoniously via screeched vocals before calming the pace gradually. That unerring sense of chaos underpins the savagery of the album as the track hurtles towards its finale. Whilst not linking directly with second part the intensity is maintained as the post hardcore aggressiveness is battering hinting at acts like Converge but as the song evolves you hear that evil twist of blackened wickedness on the guitar riffing. Like a lot of post hardcore or post black metal albums the constantly evolving dynamics are critical and the song soon changes into a purely blackened assault with insanely acerbic vocals.
Whilst Ubiquity’s latest release is not the most ingenious album I’ve heard within the post hardcore or black metal sub-genres it clearly shows the bands intent to forge onwards within their new direction and hopefully the band will make it to the UK for a few shows as I would very much like to hear these songs live.
(7.5/10 Martin Harris)
Leave a Reply