2024-04-05 07:00:54
(c) Bryan Kirks
Few bands have such a strong understanding of futuristic metalcore as Erra. The US quintet has a strong soft spot for the progressive side of the genre and is living it out with growing enthusiasm. Their sixth studio album also attempts to break with the usual formulaic nature and instead strives for the middle ground between brute force, fine melodies, progressive soundscapes, dense atmosphere and technical expertise. „Cure“ takes this exciting mix to a new level.
Tracks like “Idle Wild” hit this happy medium with astonishing precision. Brisk, frontal attacks with djent undertones and angry Unclean vocals meet catchy, lively clear vocals, only to be replaced a little later by dense atmosphere and an intense search for meaning. The action seems constantly back and forth, nervous and yet so determined. Songs like “Crawling Backwards Out Of Heaven”, on the other hand, are more of a rarity because for long stretches it’s just regarding the uncompromising demolition that reduces everything to rubble. Even atmospheric-synthetic inserts and some ominous clear vocals make perfect sense in this rough presentation.
This also applies to the opening title song “Cure”, which focuses on the US quintet’s technical skills and, despite the anthemic parts, is primarily concerned with pressure and raw energy, although the tempo remains moderate. The omnipresent contradiction becomes a work of art, even in more experimental numbers like “Slow Sour Bleed”. More electronics and even a few isolated beats meet darkness, which eventually gives way to Erra’s unbridled power and anger. This also comes through once more and once more in “Pale Iris”, which makes bold attacks and yet finds its way to the big, oversized chorus at the climax. Sure, that’s comparatively typical for metalcore, but it doesn’t make you any less fun.
The proverbial sum of the individual parts now finally and finally comes together, at last. It has long been clear that Erra have the necessary talent and ability to capture their countless ideas on a gripping, oversized album, but “Cure” now manages to realize this potential. Almost 50 minutes, full of experimental-progressive metalcore, dare a lot and win across the board. The US band damn well gets more hardness, more synthetics and an audible investment in a much denser atmosphere. Erra finally grab the throne and establish themselves as absolute masters of their craft.
Rating: 9/10
Available from: April 5, 2024
Available via: UNFD (membrane)
Website: erraband.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Erra.music
Slider Pic (c) Bryan Kirks
Category: Magazin, Reviews
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#Erra #Cure
