ALBUM REVIEW: Nightfall – SETYØURSAILS

Germany based post-hardcore newcomers SETYØURSAILS aren’t here to play games. Their mission: deliver a boisterous set of stand-out new tracks which stand against discrimination, whilst also supplying a delectable mix of metalcore and deathcore elements.  All this accumulates together to form their new album Nightfall, which is their first release on Napalm Records, and is definitely worth a listen.

Kicking off with one of the three features on this album is Ghosts featuring Rudi Schwarzer of ANNISOKAY. A cool rumbling guitar tone starts us off using distortion to create a really large sound which builds with the addition of big arena sounding keys and chords. With every good build up there should be a nice drop, and this is delivered but into a relatively chilled guitar riff which creates a nice contrast and leads well into the soft vocals of Jules Mitch. They then take us by surprise with some harsh uncleans which are accentuated by the backing of fast and deep riffs and rhythms. This switch between clean and unclean mixes works really well to create a large impact and is a staple in the metalcore genre. Another staple in any metal genre really is a smashing breakdown, and this song more than delivers. The build up is quite atmospheric, preparing the listener for what they are about to hear when Schwarzer‘s unclean vocals come in to slam a very hearty drop on the table.

The title track of this album includes a feature from Andreas Dörner of metalcore veterans CALIBAN. It begins with a lone distorted riff which is likely to be stuck in your head for a while after listening. This is then backed by some classic metalcore-esque drum beats to create a really full sound. We are given some more calming vocals with whispering elements that really add to the atmosphere of the track, again then contrasted with some harsh uncleans into the bridge and an upbeat chorus. Straight back in with that super cool riff from the start, we then get Dörner‘s feature which brings some strong uncleans that fit in really well with the overall vibe of the track. Stripping things back with a lone whisper of “So this is how I hit the ground” from Mitch, a hard hitting breakdown that’s sure to get a crowd moshing then ensues.

One of the singles from the release, Mirror, opens with a synth tune which we hear elements of throughout the album. This electronic style has become much more prevalent in hardcore and metalcore tracks recently, adding another layer of depth to releases and bringing a sense of nostalgia with it. This track in particular is reminiscent of a mix of AS EVERYTHING UNFOLDS and DREAM STATE, two bands making waves for women in the metal scene at the moment, and it’s fun to see how SETYØURSAILS have made their own unique sound whilst also embracing what the scene is offering currently. As a single, there are other songs on the album that could have been a better representation of the sort of sound the band is displaying for this release, but that’s not to say that song isn’t great – it’s just that another song could have been chosen to display this band’s talents.

Indeed, SETYØURSAILS display a wide range of talents on this record, offering hard hitting post-hardcore with metalcore and deathcore elements, whilst also not shying away from displaying their softer side. This is apparent in the transition from the fast paced Into The Storm, which finishes on a heavier note before fading well into the softer track Anchor which follows. This smooth journey from track to track allows the listener to be carried along through a really great listening experience, but also allows the band to display their talents not only in creating the sound of the music, but also the thought that went behind the album’s production.

This album surprises with its last track Shallow – featuring Mike Perez of NO BRAGGING RIGHTS – as it’s a cover of the song from hit film A Star Is Born. When bands are able to take songs from completely different genres and make them their own it’s really admirable and displays the ability to create something original with their sound. This track brings back memories of the Punk Goes Pop era, and it’s nice to see this very recognisable song recreated with a bit more edge than the original. The guitars are less deep than those used in the rest of the album, which is a nice switch up and makes the ending of the release memorable. Perez‘s very soft vocals create a pop sort of sound which is accentuated further when Mitch comes in for the second verse, carrying on with the calming tone until some unclean elements are introduced. The track and album finishes with a short breakdown/drop which encompasses what the band have created here, bringing some hefty post-hardcore with elements from various genres to create a truly enjoyable release.

Rating: 9/10

Nightfall is set for release on January 21st via Napalm Records.

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