Photo: Robert Reyes
SoCal-based alt-metal/hip-hop outfit Throwlight unveils their debut album, Monster, featuring guest appearances from Slug of Atmosphere and Rhymesayers artist Blueprint.
Fronted by underground rapper Rocom, along with the talents of Kevin Betz and Chris Ellis, Throwlight combines heavy grooves, catchy leads, and rap verses, drawing from their diverse backgrounds in punk, metal, rap, and hardcore. With Rocom’s longtime collaborator, King of Somewhere, adding synths to the mix, Throwlight creates a unique fusion of potent elements.
Encompassing a dozen tracks, Monster opens with the title track, rolling out on dreamy riffs topped by soft, creamy vocals, followed by ramping up to heavy, growling guitars riding walloping percussion as Rocom’s vocals take on a ferocious, rasping flow.
Highlights include the hard-hitting “Back Down,” traveling on chunky, grinding guitars that transition to shimmering breakdowns, giving the tune gentle flavors juxtaposed against the muscular guitars. Whereas “Space Casket” features a swirling intro that segues into vicious guitars underscoring Rocom’s evocative, rapping delivery.
A personal favorite, the shuffling, rhythmic pulse of “Doomsday” elevates to thick guitars that provide a matrix for Rocom’s melodic vocals, vocals that shift to edgy screams, giving the song black tension and angst.
Another outstanding track, “Stop The World,” rides shuddering guitars that stream into more atmospheric textures as Rocom shows the range of his dynamic vocals, melodic and tinted with hints of elegance.
The hardcore sensation of “Cannonball,” with its tough, rapping vocals that shift to dreamy melodicism, brims with brawny energy painted with the organ-like synths of King of Somewhere. Snarling vocals infuse the outro with bloody rawness.
“No Fate” cuts like a blunt knife with its roiling guitars and venomous vocals.
Talking about “No Fate,” Rocom says, “So many people feel trapped and stuck in place. Whether it’s myself, friends, or family, it’s a powerless feeling, like being a victim to the hand you’ve been dealt. This song goes out to anyone that feels like their fate has been decided for them, because it hasn’t. There is always time to change, grow, and leave the past behind for a better future. There’s no fate, but what we make.”
With their debut album, Monster, Throwlight unleashes commanding music with grand hooks revealing the depth of human emotions.
