Artist: Against the Flood
Title: self-titled
Type: EP
Label: Siege of Amida Records

“Enigmatic Metallic Hardcore” is a description I’ve read about Against the Flood. This would account for the fact that they remind me so much of Architects. From the off, it’s difficult and relentless and doesn’t follow a straight pattern in the way that, say, New York Hardcore might. Against the Flood are from Croydon. It’s hard to say whether we’re invited or not. “Barriers”, which opens this EP, is high octane and above all highly technical. Patterns are weaved but in amongst the anguished screams there’s a whole lot of brutal technicality – is the track title “A Flawless Calm” a case of cutting irony, perhaps?

“Left With Us” is more recognisable, relatively speaking. Upbeat to start with, it has an impressively thunderous rhythm running through its core. Moreover, Death and Hardcore combine. From the recognisable to the anarchic and experimental – “Today Will Burn” defines more than “Left with Us” where Against the Flood seem to be coming from. Let’s call it “Progressive”. It’s certainly interesting, challenges the mind and technically intriguing with all its layers. The energy level is raised for “Turn Towards the Sky”. The guitar meanders in an upwards direction, not that it’s ever really downbeat. There’s almost a structure here but what is most noticeable is the intensity. A Death Metal assault is raining in from all sides. The vocalist screams on agonisingly to the end. Musically, it’s like a Metal battering ram.

Although used to experimentation, I found Against the Flood’s self-titled work hard to switch into. Don’t expect melodies or standard structures, but I would say in the final outcome, it does hang together well. It’s also brutal enough to have maximum impact and the production quality is good. To summarise, if you’re up for an aural assault and enjoy good technical Metal, then I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

http://www.myspace.com/againsttheflooduk
http://www.againsttheflood.co.uk
http://www.siegeofamida.net