Chelsea Grin - Evolve
Not quite sure I grasp the concept of a 25-minute EP from a Deathcore band that has yet to break the 35-minute mark on a full-length, nor do I normally condone the download-only-unless-purchased-at-Hot Topic format. It’s not easy for a balding, grown-ass man in his work uniform to walk into that place, guys. Thanks for making me feel like a dinosaur/child predator. On the other hand, I do grasp the concept of the EP itself, and I proudly condone a Deathcore band unafraid to play Deathcore despite the current smear campaign from the popular Metal press (i.e. the real child predators). The EP’s title is no coincidence, as this is the sound of a band driven to shake that Suicide Silence-clone tag. Despite the more weighty presence of keyboards, things open on a no-frills note. “The Second Coming” is a triple-guitar-heavy, breakdown-laden assault on Christ that succeeds in kicking down the door, but it isn’t long into follow-up cut “Lillith” that frontman Alex Koehler breaks out the clean vocals for the first time. The clean-sung chorus is surprisingly pretty damn good. This kid —already an accomplished screamer/growler— can actually carry a tune. Let’s see Mitch Lucker do this shit, eh? But even more impressive than this emotive burst is the breakdown behind it. I’m all for mixing it up, especially when none of the oppressive heaviness is compromised. “S.H.O.T.” and “Confession” are more standard, mosh-inducing Chelsea Grin fare. Perhaps they aren’t ready to ditch all those comparisons just yet. However, the record ends on a standout note with the despondent-yet-crushing atmosphere of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” replete with oddball keyboard ending, and the bonus track, a remix of “The Human Condition.” You know, I never realized it until hearing this version, but I’ll be damned if that isn’t Ray Miller himself on low growls! HA! Seriously! Listen to it. [That’s not me, but they might be infringing on my roar-tone! -Editor]
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