With members hailing from a variety of different countries (Italy, Brazil, France and The Basque Country), London-based hardcore band Calligram released their self-titled EP in December 2014. Despite a 2011 formation, the guys only went by the Calligram name since summer 2014 so this four-track offering serves as the band’s debut. The quintet paired up with Wayne Adams to record these tracks at Bear Bites Horse Studio in London.
‘Murder of a Silhouette’ begins slow and melodic before vocalist Matteo Rizzardo delivers a massive roar; cueing the start of the action. Immediately, the pace quickens with the snarling guitars and the heavy pounding on the drums. Wasting no time, the EP displays Calligram’s will to present you with the heaviest of their abilities, with no shame of influences from an array of genres. Not attempting to be just metal, or just hardcore, that’s what makes the band interesting.
Calligram aren’t simply about playing loud, and the band clearly know what they’re capable of. The EP’s second track ‘The Worthless Kind’, is a fine example of that. You’re greeted by an impressive solo guitar intro to start what is yet another banger of a tune. Between the intensely fast rhythms and incomprehensible growls, opportunities for a mosh are aplenty.
Just like the EP’s cover art, our head is in pieces as the brutality of these songs jabs at our brain. The band has got strong ambitions to venture on a European tour as well as head back into the studio to record new material later this year. By the sound of it, these guys have got a busy year ahead of them.
