The Last of the Month (3/24)

Lazy, late, and long - this is "The Last of the Month" in March. Quite some releases I wasn't able to cover, but at least I got some words... at last...

AGAINST REALISM - The Monster I kill everyday
On the second full length AGAINST REALISM strays away from the Noise to deliver his form of "Midwest Emo". While I don't know If I'd call it that, I always enjoyed the more silent moments of this project. It's still heavy on electronics, but the guitar becomes more important down the line. Favorite track: "God is dead". Beautiful shit! (Stream)

BALMORA/SINCE MY BELOVED - Split
Two Melodic Metalcore-revivalists and both of them released very solid EPs in 2023. Here they are again with three new tracks on their respective site and there's nothing wrong with any of them. Though, to me they can't manage to stick out enough. But then again, I'm probably no standard for genre enthusiasts. While I always liked that sound, I never quite loved it. (Stream)

BURIAL ETIQUETTE - Mis-en-scène
A fucking long time coming! After several EPs, Splits and comp contributions, this is BURIAL ETIQUETTE's first full length since their formation in 2018. If you like what they did before, you'll like these 40 minutes. It's more of their sincere, unpolished, heartfelt, scream-y Emo. Strong recommendation, here! (Stream)

DEAL WITH GOD - The Bitter die hard (EP)
Here we are again, with Metalcore on Ephyra Records. And just like before, I'm not sure, if this band from New York sticks out enough on their debut EP. Still, they win me over with their heavy, gut-wrenching kind of No-Bullshit-Metalcore. It's no reinvention of the wheel, but they get an extra point for intensity. (Stream)

ELLEN MAY - A Lonely Way to Go (EP)
I already posted their single "How it came to this" a few weeks back, and the whole EP offers more of the same. It's four tracks of melancholic, longing Pop-Punk with a big love for melodies. These guys from down under should get some recognition going forward... (Stream)

KOMAROV - s/t
Remember the great days of UK Screamo in the late 2000s and early 2010s? Well, I certainly do, since I was very high on KADDISH and BATTLE OF WOLF 359 back then. While they seem to take the apocalyptic melodies from the latter, it's not like KOMAROV really sound like any of the two. Their rhythmic, chug-heavy, crusty, bleak and always crushing form of Screamo is moody and surprisingly fresh. Give them a chance, if you long for some variety in your Screamo playlist! (Stream)

POTENCE - cinq années de nuit
I haven't noticed them before, but these guys are a band for 10 years now. Tho they were quiet as of late, as this is their first output in nearly 5 years. However, it seems like they've gathered all their rage over the years, as this is sick stuff from front 'til back. You'll get fast, relentless, crusty Screamo with some melodic undertones. Nothing for the sensitive ones! (Stream)

SOLVALOU - s/t (EP)
New band from Wisconsin, and their EP came out on Tomb Tree. It's four tracks of desperate, yet highly melodic Screamo. The first three tracks are quite short and to the point, while the closer get's epic and diverse. A worthy debut. (Stream)

TRAIN BREAKS DOWN - s/t (EP)
The latest release on Self Versed Records, so you know this is quality stuff. They do something similar to VS SELF, going back and forth between beautiful, Midwest-Emo-melodies and destructive moments. The songwriting is kinda formulaic, but not in a bad way, as this is some catchy and addictive music. Definitely among my favorite EPs of 2024 so far! (Stream)

XINSTICTIVEX - Take your Life back (EP)
The Coming Strife Records continues to bring the goods in Metalcore and they don't stop with release #116. XINSTINCTIVEX hail from Italy and they're way into thrashy, 90s Metalcore with spoken words. If you like MORNING AGAIN, MEAN SEASON, UNBROKEN or ARKANGEL, you better check out this EP! (Stream)

Video-Request: CAMPFIRE SOCIAL - "Swim Swam Swum"