INFECTED RAIN

Endorphin NAPALM

Moldovan tech-metalcore crew get their groove on

Moldova is seldom referred to as a fertile breeding ground for metal, but Infected Rain continue to show their potential with their fourth album.

Endorphin is darker, groovier and more experimental than their previous works as it straddles modern metalcore and djent. It ranges from the thunderous intensity of the riff-drenched Black Gold to the subtle electronica and progressive melodies of

Pendulum, which calls to mind King Of Everything-era Jinjer. Elsewhere moments of addictive mayhem are peppered with aggression, haunting synths and a plethora of walloping, singalong choruses courtesy of frontwoman Lena’s soaring range. Granted, there are instances where songs are unnecessarily long with an over-reliance on chucking in clean vocals. It doesn’t always coalesce perfectly, but Infected Rain’s heaviest cuts definitely score direct hits. ■■■■■■■■■■

FOR FANS OF: Jinjer, Butcher Babies, Otep

SOPHIE MAUGHAN