EP REVIEW: Altiora – Archon

The field of metalcore is becoming a hotbed for some of the most exciting acts that the world of music has to offer. Hoping to throw their name into the ring is Danish newcomers ARCHON. Their debut EP Altiora is due for release on June 11th via Prime Collective and may be exactly what they need to take that next step.

Begin kickstarts this release with energetic riffing and a punchy tempo. Swarming atmospherics assist in heightening the dramatic tone whilst hammering grooves join forces with the varying vocal styles. Purgatory follows suit with additional lively instrumentation and slick drum fills. The chopping and changing pace keeps you gripped.

Dark Grounds keeps the strong waves of riffs flowing at a rapid rate as the intricacy and technicality are taken up a notch. The uplifting burst of melody throughout the chorus segment is like an instant adrenaline rush. Just to add another level of aggression they are assisted by the vocal services of CABAL‘s Andreas Bjulver Paarup.

Gloom injects a bit of melody into the mix with some vibrant guitar work and charging drum beats to get your blood pumping. Crushing hooks are executed to devastating effect, providing the most exhilarating track thus far. Playing The Victim refuses to be outdone and charges forth with one final barrage of stomping riffs that will undoubtedly get your head banging. Mathias Rønde Uldall-Jessen of ROYAL DECEIT makes a commanding feature to add an emphatic statement to bring Altiora to a close.

Whilst Altiora will certainly put them on the map, the style which ARCHON have adopted lands a little too close to a path which is already well trodden. There are sparks of brilliance sprinkled throughout Altiora but if they are to stand out amongst the pack then the quartet need to be more daring and inventive with their future efforts for fear of being imprisoned in the shadow of already established artists.

Rating: 7/10

Altiora is set for release on June 11th via Prime Collective.

Like ARCHON on Facebook.