ALBUM REVIEW: Shatter And Fall – Hinayana

Sometimes it doesn’t take long for a band to come round and turn heads. Texas-based HINAYANA came out of the staring blocks at full charge following up an initial EP release with a self-produced debut album. With the blend of intoxicating melodies and scorching riff work, the five-piece have quickly carved out their spot in the forum of melodic death metal bands. They’ve turned heads and risen above many of their contemporaries with the addition of a more modern intensity to their sound. Having now signed to Napalm Records, the band are hungry to step up their presence further, and their new album Shatter And Fall packs a metallic wallop that delivers on multiple fronts.

A floating acoustic guitar intro for Slowly Light Collides briefly masks the thunderous hammer blow that is to come when the track fully opens out. The heavyweight riffs are delivered with unbridled power and perfectly matched by the formidable sounding rhythm section. This driving track is both the ideal introduction for this sophomore album as well as a benchmark indicator for how much HINAYANA have grown since their debut.

There is clear development in the many elements that make up the quintet’s sound. The composition of the tracks is enhanced as they’ve developed a keener understanding of their songwriting and musical aptitude. Hitting equally as hard as the album opener, Mind Is A Shadow packs in the gut-punching riffs and rhythms one would expect, but the addition of AETHER REALMS vocalist Vincent Jackson creates a tremendous vocal interplay of deep-rooted gutturals contrasting with higher register screams which helps elevate the melody and provide a further layer of captivation.

As with many great melodeath artists, there is the ability to deliver high-octane anthemic edge where appropriate, and Shatter And Fall is not to be found wanting in that department either. Tracks such as How Many Dream and The Answer fulfil the brief of anthemic, crowd-engaging melodeath to perfection. The latter contains a melody line of chasm-like space that is filled with the crushing power of the drums and bass while the guitars maintain the ever-present intensity. The vocals, while guttural, are given an approachable delivery that entices participation. Tracks of this calibre further highlight the composition growth of HINAYANA.

While the riffs and rhythm section sound utterly cavernous and provide a full-scale metal assault, the melodic elements sore above the mix and lift the whole delivery of the tracks to another level. It’s a perfect combination that has obviously worked well for a long time with melodeath, however, it’s always refreshingly welcome when a band executes it to this high standard. Coming full circle for their career up to this point, Taken rounds out the album, a re-recorded version of the same track from their 2014 demo which perfectly highlights the evolution of the band so far.

While HINAYANA certainly put themselves on the radar with their previous releases, Shatter And Fall is the type of record that could see them catapulted into the upper echelons of the melodeath genre. There is still room to grow and develop further, but they’ve absolutely struck gold with this collection of tracks. They’ve generated an unyielding, hard-hitting record which packs in a variety of elements and aggressive emotion, and there is enough space and depth within the aural assaults to enhance the listening experience. Definitely ones to watch!

Rating: 8/10

Shatter And Fall is set for release on November 10th via Napalm Records.

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