THE DISASTER AREA Alpha // Omega

REDFIELD

Emotionally authentic metalcore beneath a clinical sheen

This German metalcore band’s second release is cleanly produced and atmospheric, yet more calculated than their debut. There’s no doubting the emotional authenticity here but the sound seems more deliberate and restrained. Where Empty Melody and 0800-111-0-111 (named after a crisis helpline) tug the heartstrings, Fade [Omega], despite a guest appearance from Christoph Wieczorek (Annisokay), is more fleetingly sticky than fiercely intoxicating. That said, Reborn [Alfa], the crashing anthemic fury of Kingdom Come and The Serpent, with its tumbling mix of cursing and youthful choruses, are all gloriously raw and dynamic. TDA just need more of this reckless abandon next time around.

FOR FANS OF: Bring Me The Horizon, Vitja, Landmvrks

NIK YOUNG