I AM NOAH
Politicised metalcore to raise your fists to
SOUNDS LIKE:
Classic mid-00s metalcore that has no time for Nazis.
FOR FANS OF:
Killswitch Engage, As I Lay Dying, Trivium
LISTEN TO:
Blinded By Abundance
Heavy music and politics have always made natural bedfellows. In recent months the likes of Architects, Body Count and Stray From The Path have all released music designed to rile up voices and raise fists and middle fingers in the face of social injustice. German metalcore crew I Am Noah are the latest in that long line of bands getting aggressively political, but their message packs no less of a punch.
Between exuberant riffery, vibrant melodies and visceral barks, the focus of the band’s recent Final Breed EP rests firmly on critical issues in their home country, namely the refugee crisis and the resurfacing of the cretinous Far Right.
“I wouldn’t say we’re a political band but we have an interest in politics,” explains drummer Marius Greif. “For me, as well as the whole band, the great success of the AFD [Alternative For Germany, nationalist, right-wing and populist German party] was really terrifying, especially with regard to the history of Germany. Voting for a rightwing nationalist protest party, that has no reasonable solutions to problems, just because you’re dissatisfied with the current political situation, is absolutely no option for us and incomprehensible.”
Coincidentally, our chat with Marius falls on the day when, for the first time, the Berlin Wall has been down for longer than it was up. If there’s any moment that reminds us just how damaging social divisions and oppressive ideology can be, it’s today.
“It’s well known where a right- wing populist propaganda can lead,” he agrees. “It was important for us to make music with a statement which we all fully support. In my opinion, the current government has made no clear statements on important issues and problems, so it’s not surprising that right-wing parties, who clearly articulate their interests and viewpoints, are gaining attention. In the news the AFD is the topic every day. Everyone knows the names of the key players, but only very few know, for example, the name of the current Minister Of Education.”
I Am Noah’s frustration is palpable throughout the Final Breed EP; four fiercely woke tracks of sharp and melodic modern metalcore. It’s hardly a reimagining of the template laid down by the classic metalcore heroes of their formative years – Trivium, KSE and August Burns Red – but the introduction of djent and atmospheric electronic elements have put a new twist on IAN’s sucker-punching brutality. It marks a step up in quality and confidence from their 2016 debut, The Verdict, as well as a more open-minded approach to songwriting.
“Today we’re listening to hip-hop and pop,” says Marius when asked about the influences that fed the new material.
“Of course metal, too, but we’re a bit more open to other genres. Metalcore is the genre we all grew up with and with which we still feel connected today. But to write good, catchy songs with a structure, you have to listen to different music. The Final Breed EP is just the beginning of our journey.”
FINAL BREED IS OUT NOW VIA BASTARDIZED RECORDINGS
“WE ALL KNOW WHERE RIGHT WING POPULISM CAN LEAD”