Stretch that neck, crack those knuckles, and get ready to move. The new album from Melbourne’s THE ASCENDED is out on September 17 and it’s a banger! 

This four piece have been around since 2014, releasing two EP’s, a S=single and a debut album during that time. The second full length THE DARK is ready to blow those out of the water, certainly their most pro sounding release to date. 

The huge production is immediately evident (recorded by the band themselves), which is further helped by the solid performances, pulling off a tight and punchy attack. The sick guitar tone is low tuned and heavy, presenting a very moshworthy metalcore sound. Some very cool dual guitar lead harmonies break away from the chuggy breakdowns from time to time which works well. 

The vocals are aggressive, sometimes with a semi-growled delivery combining a tinge of clean melody. Other times straight out yells, and often the choruses are sung with a hypnotic darkness. 

Nothing too ground breaking here, but there are 10 cool tracks done well, giving fans of heavy energetic tunes plenty to enjoy and bang their head along to. It’s reminiscent of a metalcore sound from 10 or so years back, but with obvious influences of thrash and groove stuff like Pantera, Lamb of God & Parkway Drive. Sounds like they had a rad time putting this album together, and it’s a heap of fun to listen to. 

 

Review Score 7/10 

Vincent van Goat - Hornography 

Available 17th September 2021 

Pre order album > www.theascendedband.com