EP REVIEW: Charm Before The Storm – I Am Pariah

On their new three-track EP Charm Before The Storm, Stoke-on-Trent nu-metalcore up and comers I AM PARIAH wear their metal upbringings on their sleeves. Where the bands of the mid 2000s bridged the gap between the nu-metal that came before it and the brand of modern metalcore that now dominates large parts of the metal landscape, this EP follows in these footsteps. Though this comes with plenty of positives, it also means that the tracklist can feel very predictable at points.

One of the key bands that did that particular sound better than most is KILLSWITCH ENGAGE. Many of KILLSWITCH’s biggest strengths shine through in this EP, as the tracks carry a metalcore edge without sacrificing catchy moments and big, dramatic melodies. Previously touring with former KILLSWITCH frontman Howard Jones’ current band LIGHT THE TORCH, I AM PARIAH seems to embrace these comparisons, attempting to run with them rather than just re-tread and that’s a great thing. This comes to the fore-front in the first two tracks, named Suck It Up and Sicko, that feel like a celebration of those bands and the style of metal that they helped push through.

In the same vein, the third and final track named Kill The Modern World, feels a little more along the lines of doing something that their peers did bigger and better. Whilst the EP opens with lots of fun energy, this track doesn’t have the same celebratory feel. More of a riff and groove based track compared to the two before, from the very opening it feels very similar to DEFTONES’ Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away). Though it’s still a decent track, this is where the line between paying homage and feeling a bit by the numbers became blurred.

Despite this, as previously mentioned, on Charm Before The Storm, I AM PARIAH deliver a fun and catchy project that in that sense, delivers on its mission statement. Recorded during lockdown, for it’s under 12-minute run time, the EP is an enjoyable getaway vehicle to a different place.

Rating: 7/10

Charm Before The Storm is set for release on November 27th via self-release.

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