Fresh on the scene, London-based High Rise know how to write tunes that straddle that fine line between anthemic hardcore and bruising metalcore. As well as playing alongside acts such as Lock & Key, Press to Meco, and Tides of Man, their newest release ‘Left It For Everything’ demonstrates their talent and potential to become the next heavy-weight champions within the melodic hardcore scene.
From start to finish, ‘Left It For Everything’, or ‘L.I.F.E.’, is a staggering release. Opening track ‘Hands Untied’ blossoms to life with visceral riffs and thunderous drum-work, and sets the bar very, very high for this EP. And then there’s ‘Piece By Piece’, which is huge in every way: the chorus is a powerful punch, and the vocals are simply superb. Aggravated, rough-hewn screams collide perfectly with the clean-cut vocals, creating dynamic and bold layers.
The ending of title track ‘L.I.F.E.’ is poignant and moving – cries of “We will not run away” are layered over distorted and rather ambient-like guitar work to bring a stunning end to such a powerful track. Closing track ‘Vultures’ is an absolute treat too, in that High Rise don’t let up in terms of power and tempo. They crush speed and aggression together, producing a seriously fast and furious track to end this EP on.
Despite clocking in at just over 20 minutes, High Rise have created a release that’s full of power, angst, and melody in the form of ‘Left It For Everything’. It’s strong, it’s powerful, and it’ll put High Rise on the map.
JESS TAGLIANI