Many a famous star has said that Rock and Metal are dead, but releases like this are capable of reigniting that flame of passion. Godzilla Takes New York is an Auckland metalcore quintet, which despite having the common band arrangement (rhythm, lead, bass, drums, and vocals), their sound has a refreshing zeal.

Godzilla Takes New York has an intense amalgamation of drudging rhythm with refined clean lead riffs; a style that is mirrored in the vocals. The lead guitar incorporates styles reminiscent of bands such as Breaking Benjamin, Trivium and Slipknot, combined with vocals creating a comparable sound to Bullet for my Valentine’s 2008 Scream Aim Fire album; although this EP come across heavier, more substantial, and with a far superior lyrical quality. The six-track release has a number of influences, with hints of such ensembles as Sevendust, 8 Foot Sativa, and Fall Out Boy (in the case of the final track at least).

The group have chosen a unique direction for their music, drawing inspiration in lyrical content from pop-culture references. There was a pang of nostalgia and recognition when looking at the titles, though the meaning behind them are easily searchable on the internet for those that can’t place them. The opening track, titled “Empire”, sets the tone well with a gentle acoustic rendition of one of the well-known musical pieces from arguably the most successful film series of all time. Seamlessly transitioning from soft ballad to arena anthem, Godzilla Takes New York use a combination of heavy guttural growls and clean vocals, to create harmonies and discord as necessary. Each song has a progression, with the tracks maintaining a fast tempo held together by the double-kick, with abundant diversity in phrases to keep your interest over numerous listens. These tracks provide a simple beat that everyone can enjoy; metal that you don’t need a knowledge of maths to be able to mosh to.

As is expected of metalcore, the EP has rather basic time signatures, with frequent, measured, powerful breakdowns that stir the body at its natural rhythm.  “A Death in the Family” is the track that has my full appreciation with a nod to Gotham’s “Dark Knight” and his nemesis, recognising the characters through a great contrast between the dark & brooding, and the almost maniacal clean vocal styles.

A solid release from such a young group, and I wait with bated breath for new material.

• 1
  Anxiety Club
• 2
  Take Hold
• 3
  Coridian
• 4
  Devilskin
• 5
  Skinny Hobos
• 6
  L.A.B.
• 7
  Head Like A Hole
• 8
  Shihad
• 9
  Katchafire
• 10
  Written By Wolves

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• 1
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  Hozier
• 2
  BEAUTIFUL THINGS
  Benson Boone
• 3
  LOSE CONTROL
  Teddy Swims
• 4
  LIKE THAT
  Future And Metro Boomin feat. Kendrick Lamar
• 5
  END OF BEGINNING
  Djo
• 6
  I LIKE THE WAY YOU KISS ME
  Artemas
• 7
  WE CAN'T BE FRIENDS (WAIT FOR YOUR LOVE)
  Ariana Grande
• 8
  STICK SEASON
  Noah Kahan
• 9
  TEXAS HOLD 'EM
  Beyonce
• 10
  LEAVEMEALONE
  Fred Again.. And Baby Keem

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