ALBUM REVIEW: Grey – Held.
Post-hardcore supergroup, HELD., have put out their debut record Grey. The trio is made up of Douglas Robinson and Sal Mignano, (THE SLEEPING) and Josh Eppard (COHEED AND CAMBRIA) who came together with the same goals and passion for creating authentic sounds built on genuine creativity and expression. And given the fact that the three of them have experience that, when put together, culminates decades, you know that their debut full-length is going to be anything but cautious. Rather something that’s larger than life.
That’s a fact that we’re given a taste of when we open with Defending The Earth, which starts out as smooth alternative before quickly shifting into a heavier garage rock style complete with borderline growling vocals. With this, and a chorus that brings in anthemic rock elements, you can immediately tell that this is a record that would be perfect for any live setting given its production and the confidence that it just oozes. Simply put: a strong first impression. It’s not the only time you’ll find yourself picturing a track performed live with songs like Waves Of Fire, a rough alternative focused track with high energy harmonies, and Constant Tension, which brings in some drone influence before building up into something that uplifts and infuses you with the motivation to face any obstacle with a beat that one cannot help but nod along to.
We’re also not treated to just one but two insane features: Knifepoint features Graham Sayle of HIGH VIS, a bouncy, yet lowkey, number that blends hardcore infused garage rock with punk vocals; and New You Anthem which features the ever iconic Frank Iero of MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE who works in his signature vocals on a track that brings in classic rock riffs.
Granted, as enjoyable as this record is, there are some minor moments that disappoint slightly. Namely, the title track itself that’s a melancholic number that infuses electronic melodies that, while decent sounding, is probably the least interesting song on the record. Equally, there’s I And I Against You All which, if the title didn’t give it away, is meant to be a self-empowerment track that means well but has you cringing during certain lines like “don’t try to understand me” that you can’t but feel would be more appropriate for an edgy teenager to say instead of three adults.
Yet these moments barely take away from the more epic points on the record with the final two songs being a perfect example due to their larger than life production and soundscape compositions: Broken Spacesuit (Decay And Sound) having a dark, industrial production that, as the title suggests, would work perfectly for a dystopian sci-fi soundtrack. Meanwhile, Emptiness: A Side Effect feels like an accurate telling of inner turmoil with the blend of heavy riffs and beats alongside softer strumming and off-focus vocals that turn more to anguish towards the end.
A solid introduction to a new group that one can’t help but feel deep excitement for what more is to come.
Rating: 8/10
GREY is out now via MNRK Heavy.
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