ALBUM REVIEW: Eternal Forward Motion – Employed To Serve
When EMPLOYED TO SERVE released The Warmth of A Dying Sun two years ago, thanks to a blend of irresistible hooks and utmost ferocity, it catapulted the band into the spotlight in the UK’s booming heavy music scene. Billed as one of UK hardcore’s bright lights comes with its own pressures, but their tenacious attitude to both their music, presence and live shows demonstrates that EMPLOYED TO SERVE are gunning for the summit. Now comes Eternal Forward Motion, their third full-length, arriving this Friday via Spinefarm Records.
Given the success of The Warm of A Dying Sun, you wouldn’t exactly be surprised if EMPLOYED TO SERVE opted to play it safe and yet, Eternal Forward Motion feels like a natural and, all the more aggressive, step forward. Right from the off with the title track, the quintet blast into a frenzy as frantic riffing combine with an incendiary performance from vocalist Justine Jones. Subtle dashes of melodic guitarwork in the chorus blend seamlessly with Jones‘ anthemic screams as the band switch from outright ferocity to something all the more hard-hitting. It’s an explosive and gripping start to the record.
From there, EMPLOYED TO SERVE burn bright like a supernova, displaying an abundance of sheer aggression with absolute ease. Beneath It All‘s slick riffing carries the pace charging forward whilst Dull Ache Behind My Eyes will leave you in a neckbrace as Justine Jones‘ blistering screams match the tempo of her bandmates before unfolding into a sinister and punishing breakdown that is an absolute monster. It’s moments like this that demonstrate that EMPLOYED TO SERVE are not pulling their punches.
Speaking of Justine Jones, there is no doubting her abilities as previous records and live performances have clearly demonstrated, but on Eternal Forward Motion, she knocks the ball out of the park. Each rasping scream hits the bullseye, her ability to display such ferocity in rapid bursts is jaw-dropping and her snappy interchanges with Sammy Urwin‘s backing vocals are just so pleasing to hear. Given that the album’s lyrical content, focusing on a jaded generation struggling to find a purpose and losing daily battles with self-doubt and external influences (one listen of Reality Filter certainly confirms that), Jones delivers in spades in hitting the subject matter home to resonate with you long after you have finished the album.
And yet, for all their firepower, one of the most appealing aspects of Eternal Forward Motion is that this album is not a one trick pony. Sure, it’s heavy as hell but plenty of bands hope that heaviness can maintain interest throughout, but all too often those records end on a whimper. Here however, the record’s dynamic pace changes and subtle grooves make this a much more complicated beast and it’s all the much better for it. Take Harsh Truth for instance. Given that up to this point, the band have opted for a blistering assault, the track’s mid-tempo pace helps Justine Jones‘ hard-hitting and incredibly relatable lyrics hammer home all the much harder. Similarly, Sore Tooth Twin, a short interluding number, does a fine job of allowing you to catch your breath before roaring back into action through album highlight Force Fed. What this demonstrates is a band who have understood the need to develop and refine their sonics to make an even more gripping listen; they have achieved just that.
Even as the album reaches its final third, EMPLOYED TO SERVE refuse to loosen their stranglehold. Suspended In Emptiness is a bruiser of a track, showcasing some punishing breakdowns, Owed Zero‘s mathcore-esque frenzy provides a bout of manic aggression late on and finale, Bare Bones on a Blue Sky, surprisingly uplifting nature acts as a complete polar opposite to what we’ve previously heard. Whilst this may trip a few people up who expect one last bludgeon of brutality, it’s incredibly pleasing to hear a message of hope, anthemic vocals and steady riffs combine to make the album’s closure all the more impactful. Despite all the bleak but very real subject matter explored on this album, having a hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel and that hardships can be overcome is a smart touch, one in which further bolsters the forward-thinking nature of this remarkably talented band.
The Warm of A Dying Sun was their breakthrough, Eternal Forward Motion is their statement of intent. This is a magnificent record, It’s an aggressive, dynamic and hard-hitting listen and the quality on offer here is simply staggering, this is a record that will surely solidify EMPLOYED TO SERVE‘s claim for the throne of UK metal.
Rating: 9/10
Eternal Forward Motion is set for release on May 10th via Spinefarm Records.
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