ALBUM REVIEW: Porcelain – Rising Insane
Long Branch Records have been riding a wave of success the post few years, snapping up the hottest metalcore and tech bands around. The label now has another talented band in their arsenal. This time it’s the turn of German modern metallers RISING INSANE who are on the brink of releasing their second album Porcelain. With the melodic power of NORTHLANE, the melodies of ANNISOKAY and the fire of ARCHITECTS, RISING INSANE are onto a good thing with Porcelain. Twelve tracks of blistering metal and no filler is an incredible feat for a band still in the early stages of their career.
Distortion and a metallic riff kicks off proceedings in The Mark’s You Left. The energy escalates from the fiery verses to the soaring chorus. This is RISING INSANE introducing themselves with all guns blazing. The impressive thing is, this energy never dips throughout the duration of Porcelain, so buckle in for the ride. The title track is one of the strongest offerings on the album with its NORTHLANE vibes and stratospheric chorus. The production ensures the riffs are groovy and crisp, but the shimmering notes during the most stirring sections are beautifully executed. These first two tracks set the mood and the catalyst for the energy. An absolutely storming start.
Channelling their inner CANE HILL for the filthy groove-fest that is Helpless, the ballsy riffs are mean and keen. The energy has shifted to a menacing stance and it’s oddly bewitching. Flipping to passionate clean vocals in the chorus, the melodies are in the same vein as the powerful ANNISOKAY. Transitioning from aggressive to vulnerable is really striking and makes for a memorable track. The assault continues with Neurotic. Full of metallic brilliance and relentless energy, it is a three minute whirlwind. Things sound a bit more considered with the haunting Half Life. Chilling atmospherics coupled with a techy groove create a huge sound. Throw in some more heart-wrenching cleans and you’re presented with another stellar track.
Things take a nu-metal turn with The Lost Kids. Arguably one of the best songs on Porcelain, this track has everything. The usual RISING INSANE shenanigans are present, but with extra bite. The clean sections are unexpectedly more reserved, but things reach a stomping climax when the band’s inner PAPA ROACH rears its ugly head. The groovy intensity is utterly irresistible, making The Lost Kids the first track you return to. We’re halfway through Porcelain and RISING INSANE keep our interest with the powerful Silent Screaming. Its metalcore prowess will satisfy fans of THE ROYAL, with its flawless delivery making for an obliterating track.
Ignite is RISING INSANE at their most ferocious, the words being spat out like bile. With strong LOATHE vibes and no clean vocals, Ignite is a dark and dirty offering. Things return to melodic normality with Last Fragments which plods along much like the other songs. The pace picks up again with Awakening, with its bludgeoning groove and chaotic vocals.
For penultimate track Born To Live, RISING INSANE take the melody to new heights and the breakdowns to new depths. This jumble of heavy components makes for an intense track and a late highlight for Porcelain. After such a potent track, the album finale has a lot to live up to. Luckily The Summary does what it says on the tin. It provides a conclusion full of the best aspects of RISING INSANE into a tight and tasty closer. Monstrous riffs, intense delivery and soaring melodies, it has it all.
RISING INSANE are not offering anything ground-breaking with Porcelain. However, their intensity, ferocity and heartfelt melodies will certainly steal the attention away from bands who only recycle BURY TOMORROW and ARCHITECTS. The promising Germans are chock-full of potential. If they continue to deliver their brand of metal with plenty of heart, then they will prove to be an unstoppable force.
Rating: 8/10
Porcelain is out now via Long Branch Records.
Like RISING INSANE on Facebook.