ALBUM REVIEW: The Anatomy Of Surviving – Vicious Rain
The genre of metalcore continues to go from strength to strength, with new and upcoming bands continuing to reach new audiences across the globe at an ever rapid pace. Swiss group VICIOUS RAIN are still relatively new onto the scene, releasing their first album in 2024, but their new release The Anatomy Of Surviving is sure to bring a new wave of recognition their way.
Combining raw emotional charge with all we know and love from modern metalcore tracks, expect to hear a range of heavy hitting riffs, tempo changes and powerful vocals.
Intro track The Anatomy Of Surviving gradually welcomes you in, featuring a slower paced electronic section that builds before making way for Gods Of Glass & Wire to begin. A rolling riff breaches the way for vocalist David Häusermann to leap into a rough and ready scream, before accentuating more driving riffs in a half tempo. A quick change up as guitarist and melodic vocalist Mauro Gugerli takes the reins for a brief and emotional moment, before being thrown straight back into a heavy groove.
One of the album’s singles, A Spotless Mind plays around with some more heavy rock sounding elements, whilst of course incorporating hardcore rhythms and intense guttural vocals. A fun track that really plays around with tempo and keeps you guessing from one drum beat to the next.
There’s one word to describe a lot of the tracks on this release – groovy. They’re the sort of songs you would be more than happy to bop along to at a gig, whether that comes from the ambient riffs, hard hitting beats or nasty vocals. Whether you know the songs off by heart, or are hearing them for the first time, they are really engaging. Fans of PALEFACE SWISS’ more recent work may really enjoy this album, with similarities to be drawn between the hardcore riffs paired with fast paced vocal style.
A standout track on the album has to be IKIGAI. With a WAGE WAR-esque guitar sound, this fast paced song highlights the many strengths of VICIOUS RAIN. The mixing of the tracks is done really well, with an all encompassing sound that leaves an impact. Closing out the album, Intertwined leans back into a slightly softer vibe which nicely contrasts with tracks heard previously. A nice way to conclude what has been a fast moving album altogether.
Overall, this is a really strong release that does justice to VICIOUS RAIN’s talent. From just one listen through, you’re sure to be drawn back in. If the band continue on this path, who knows what may lay ahead for them? But one thing is for sure, if you love some good heavy metalcore, make sure to check out The Anatomy Of Surviving.
Rating: 9/10
The Anatomy Of Surviving is out now via Arising Empire.
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