GravesMonster

So beatdown seems to be the trend at the tail end of 2016. At least Graves are making it easy for such fans with opening number 506. If you don’t enjoy the slow chugs, persist and you’ll find a variation that’s surprising to say the least for a band like this. Not giving them a shot would be a mistake. That’s due in no small part to vocalist Rhys Benn who has some absolute demons that wrestle their way out of each corner of Monster. His pain is our gift though. This record deceives by flitting from mosh-heavy chugs to energetic deathcore in an instant.

This record deceives by flitting from mosh-heavy chugs to energetic deathcore in an instant.

A perfect case in point is Fear. The record’s first single provides one hell of a kick with a legitimate guitar riff (riffs? in MY down tempo?!) and hurtling blast beats. Benn’s snarled delivery of familial homicide before the skull-crushing breakdown is the undisputed highlight of the record. Ooft, it elicits gritted teeth just thinking about it. When we’re just left with open chugs though, the energy of Monster tends to die. Ratface makes it pretty clear that’s not the overall theme of the record though. Popping bass flies around and Kyden even shirks heaviness entirely for an atmospheric track that revolves around clean singing of all things. By refusing to constrain themselves into one style, Graves’ Monster is a record with doubtless mass-appeal.

Stick This Next To: Thy Art Is Murder, Knocked Loose, Suicide Silence
Standout Tracks: Fear, 506, Father