New York-based metalcore outfit Locked in a Vacancy releases their new EP, …Before The Dawn, which announces their return in a big, big way.
Made up of Dyami Bryant (vocals), Jay Shine (drums), Nelson Blake II (guitar), Dennis Lars Torrent (bass), and Michael Seltzber (guitar), in the late ‘90s Locked in a Vacancy shared the stage with Converge, A Life Once Lost, Lamb of God, and Every Time I Die.
In 2007, Locked in a Vacancy entered an indeterminate state as members became involved in other projects. A possible 2012 reunion disappeared when drummer Rick Cimato passed away. Now the band is back like a slap to the face or a punch to the solar plexus.
Comprising four tracks, …Before The Dawn begins with “The Burden of Being,” opening on thick, chunky guitars atop a rampaging rhythm bristling with savage impetus. Bryant’s snarling vocals imbue the lyrics with brutal tones. A staggering solo section winds down, slowly, to hints of psychedelia, and then ramps back up to ferocious, muscular levels.
“…Of Church and State” thrums, whirls, and twists on deep, angry guitars as Bryant growls out rampant, dirge-like tones.
“Control Panel 5” rolls out on eerie, oozing textures topped by breathy whispers. Industrial effects enter, adding ghostly, mechanical thuds. The feel and mood of the tune conjures up suggestions of walking through an alien cemetery on a distant planet.
A personal favorite because of its beefy surfaces and trundling-like rhythm, “Brandolini’s Law” closes the EP out. Although the song starts on heavy guitars, it descends to low-slung shimmering colors tinted with jazz flavors. And then escalates up to titanic levels.
Raw and dynamic, with …Before The Dawn, Locked in a Vacancy proclaims their second advent with ferocity and beaucoup sonic force – metalcore on steroids!
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