Since their inception in 2011, Derry-based quartet Making Monsters have constantly kicked up a ruckus. After the release of their debut EP ‘Attention’, they went on to tour with the likes of Silverstein, Skindred and, more recently, Fightstar.
Title track ‘Bad Blood’ is simply monolithic. Throat-grabbing riffs and raw, visceral vocals come together and create a dark, brooding track – it’s simply a fantastic start to this release. From there, it only gets better: ‘Call Me Out’ and single ‘Better’ showcase quick and light guitar work that twists into razor-sharp riffs.
Vocalist Emma Gallagher’s a ballsy woman throughout the course of this EP. Falling somewhere between Marmozets Becca McIntyre and Maria Brink of In This Moment, she constantly pushes to deliver dynamic vocals – ‘We Aren’t Living’ is a stellar example of Emma’s range. At times, the chorus will simply soar with her elephantine vocals. At others, she gets down and dirty with her gritty screams. From start to finish, Emma showcases her wonderfully unique vocals and marks herself as one of the best vocalists on the scene.
Rounding off with ‘Noodle Sync’, a great track with a great name that sees speed and aggression being crushed together, creating a heavy-as-fuck breakdowns that packs a powerful punch. It’s here that the drum work becomes absolutely demonic, creating a solid and stable foundation for the band to layer their dark and immense riffs onto.
What makes ‘Bad Blood’ such a stunning EP is that it’s incredibly diverse and hosts an extraordinary vocal range from Emma. Packed with frenetic energy and colossal riffs that simmer with power, this release truly marks Making Monsters as ‘Ones to Watch’.
JESS TAGLIANI