As a genre, metalcore has usually been a bit too rich for my
blood over the years. Perhaps not surprising, then, that stalwarts of that
(sub?) genre, Every Time I Die, have never really drawn me in before,
despite being acclaimed in the heavy music press for over two decades now. It’s
hard to pin down why, with album 9, they suddenly piqued my interest. Nonetheless,
Radical managed to enter my rotation when it was released in October,
and it hasn’t left. Fair to say they still make metalcore, so much of the
record is potentially impenetrable: this placing on my list comes with a
genuine health advisory. Equally, Radical’s screamo firewall hides
a penchant for melody that has kept me coming back. This is… catchy. There are
also some outstanding riffs, song-writing of real quality (‘The Thing with
Feathers’ would be a huge hit for a less aurally confrontational rock band),
and a talent for self-depreciating social commentary. The outstanding ‘White
Void’ (NB: contender for my favourite track of the year) highlights well how Every
Time I Die are here mixing earworm choruses with violent metalcore. Despite
its unexpected nuances, though, this is still a fair bit heavier than I would normally
venture. Brace.