ALBUM REVIEW: New Age Filth – Hail The Sun

The multi-talented Donovan Melero has been a very busy man over the last few years, collaborating on a variety of different projects such as NOVA CHARISMA and SIANVAR to name a few. It is now time for him to return his focus to his main project and the band that brought him to the dance, math rock outfit HAIL THE SUN. Three years have passed since the release of their previous album Mental Knife and the follow up has now arrived in the form of their fifth full-length effort entitled New Age Filth which is available now via Rude Records/Equal Vision Records. What will this bring to the table?

Domino wastes little time in firing out high energy riffing and Melero‘s signature vocals are as smooth as silk, slotting into the vibe like a glove. The melodies and punchy drumming are an ideal combo to get this release off the ground. Slander follows suit with sublime harmonies interwoven with flashes of intensity to keep you on your toes, especially the sharp, swift shock towards the latter stages. Solipsism flexes its muscles with powerful drumming segments and slick intricacy that is remarkably accessible and not too complex as to overwhelm the listener.

Misfire feels very reminiscent of the eccentric quirkiness which brought THE MARS VOLTA such adoration, but at the same time HAIL THE SUN ensure that they put their own unique stamp on it. Impressive hooks make their presence felt. Made Your Mark maintains the upbeat demeanour instilled throughout but utilises more calming, gentle tones before bursting into life with a bright and colourful chorus piece. Slipped My Mind delves back into their unconventional experimenting, as the layers meticulously mesh together to create a vivid and alluring soundscape.

Parasitic Cleanse dials up the aggression with barrages of stark screams and thunderous drum beats but still has time to throw some enticing grooves in amongst the chaos. Hysteriantics keeps things exciting by chopping and changing tempos at the drop of a hat whilst also sliding some darker vibes into the track as HAIL THE SUN continue to show how multi-faceted they can be. Devaluation may only be just over two minutes long, but is packed full of drama and theatricality, brought to life by Melero‘s expertly crafted narrational skills and before you know it is time for the finale. Punch Drunk elegantly drifts along on subtle melodies but still keeps you on alert with sudden surges of energetic instrumentation to depart on a euphoric high.

HAIL THE SUN have always proudly carved their own niche with little desire to sound like any other band on the circuit, and with New Age Filth they continue to push their sound further than ever before. The tracks ebb and flow flawlessly to keep you engaged as each little element unfolds, and this release will certainly have you coming back again and again.

Rating: 9/10

New Age Filth is out now via Rude Records/Equal Vision.

Like HAIL THE SUN on Facebook