Band: Lifelines
Release: In Presents Wake
Release Date: Out Now!
Surviving in the jungle that is metalcore is no mean feat, lurking around in the underground are unknown creatures ready to rise to the surface, whilst displacing the kings of the scene is an almost impossible task.
Rising up from below the surface ready to take on the mightiest of predators and fight for their lives are Glaswegian quintet Lifelines. Still unsigned, the band have achieved quite a bit since the pack became complete at the end of 2012 , tours with the almost prehistoric Bleed From Within and fellow pups Palm Reader and getting themselves some recognition in Front magazine to name a few.
‘In Presents Wake’ is Lifelines debut EP. This six track offering begs the question of whether the Scots have what it takes to adapt and survive.
Skyscrapers is a statement of intent with sprawling guitars that picks up the pace as the track progresses; this is unadulterated heaviness. Sounding like an infuriated Architects, vocalist Paul Bone spits out his lyrics with enough venom to knock out a Hippo. Limitless maintains the aggression, with thunderous drums and frenzied riffs albeit with a little more melody.
At times Lifelines fall victim to the camouflaged trap of being generic, a perfect example of this being The Protagonist, and while it adds a glossy sheen to the production it does sound weak, while lulling you into a false sense of security Better Left Unsaid would be better left unheard.
Undertow is by far the most engaging track, with pulsating rhythms combining effortlessly with intense riffs that force you to violently head bang, Undertow will no doubt incite mosh pits and should make for a live favourite. The addition of clean vocals gives the ears a welcome respite before the dual screaming turns proceedings hostile again.
Closer, Silver Screen Synthetic, is a feeding frenzy. Sounding like they’ve been locked in a cage and released, Lifelines tear you limb from limb ending the slaughter with a triumphant blood curling scream of “no regrets.”
‘In Presents Wake’ is a mixed affair. At times sounding like a wounded animal, Lifelines show that they have what it takes to survive. It is however too early to distinguish whether they will conquer.
6/10
Reviewer: Antoine Omisore
