To The GraveDirector’s Cut

If To The Grave’s newest release Director’s Cut dropped and it wasn’t the heaviest thing in existence, there would have been a revolt from Australia’s deathcore community. 

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Luckily, the Sydney-siders have lived up to the expectation, with Director’s Cut marking itself as the groups most brutal effort to date, both lyrically and thematically.

Warning Shots kicks in with cataclysmic effect; as does Red Dot Sight, which provides the perfect mix between brutal chug riffs and technical guitar sweeps. Manhunt also maintains aggression, delivering some of the gutsiest breakdowns that Aussie deathcore listeners have encountered in years. But in saying that, To The Grave’s third full length is so much more than just the ‘bludgeoning’ heaviness that so many of the group’s peers strive for. From Dane Evans’ slurred gutturals on B.D.T.S, to the subdued, creeping nature of Found Footage, Director’s Cut bears itself as an album of innovation, with each member seemingly pushing the boundaries of their instruments as much as they possibly can. 

Director’s Cut bears itself as an album of innovation, with each member seemingly pushing the boundaries of their instruments as much as they possibly can. 

Although, no matter how opposing the riffs between the lead and rhythm may be at times, or how many different pitches and tones are simultaneously overlapping, it always remains cohesive, with Evans’ multifaceted vocal capabilities feeling like an additional instrument that’s perfectly utilised to marry together the eclectic soundscapes. Considering acts like Thy Art Is Murder, I, Valiance and Aversions Crown continued to keep the flame alive, it would be naive to say that the Aussie deathcore ever died. Although it would be fair to say that as a scene, deathcore has never been more viable than it currently is. Meaning that once Director’s Cut drops, becoming part of To The Grave’s arsenal, it seems inevitable that the group will finally attain the international recognition that they have so long deserved.

STANDOUT TRACKS: Manhunt, B.D.T.S, Found Footage
STICK THIS NEXT TO: I, Valiance, Annotations Of An Autopsy, Job For A Cowboy