EP REVIEW: Dissociation In Three Fractions – Candescent A.D

There’s something really exciting about a band knowing what they’ve got and running with it. CANDESCENT A.D bring fresh meaning to the word brutal with their no-holds-barred hardcore on latest EP release Dissociation In Three Fractions.

The constant change of pace and clear aggression is infectious right from the off. Forever Feels Far does not hold your hand. Rather, it grabs you by the head and headbutts you square in the face; this EP does not mess about. If you’ve listened to their previous release, 2020’s double single Napalm Gifter and In Living Colour, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting from CANDESCENT A.D, which is pure hardcore. Its violent onslaught of vocals feels so genuine and raw, and it’s honestly impressive to have such a distinct voice. The groove and outright spitefulness of the whole track is something to revel in, especially the sudden changes in tempo and timing.

Lyrically, the themes are as brutally honest and unflinching as the music that envelops them. The fitting sense of catharsis you get from listening is probably only second to being able to write and perform this material, a way to exercise these demons in such a vicious manner.

Like its counterparts, Guys Like You Never See It Coming has such throat burning vocals that you can feel your larynx pleading with you to stop screaming along. It’s the soul of real old school punk that lives in this voice, the desire to be mean and unkempt is rife. There’s a chunky, weird riff at the heart of this track too that simmers to a boiling point under those full on vocals.

Lastly, Wynash Garden is pure hardcore filth. Its dirty breakdowns will be met with snarling stank faces by all listeners, while the clean chorus begs to be sung along to. There’s a fantastic moment of relative calm before you’re smacked over the head with layers of heavy bass work and snatchings of double bass drum. The static chaos abruptly ends, chopping with a vinegar tang that leaves you wanting to return to CANDESCENT A.D immediately.

If you’re up for raw, pure hardcore then Dissociation In Three Fractions is a brilliant way to spend just under nine minutes. Brutal in every sense of the word, there’s nothing flowery to water down the spite that froths up in these three tracks. CANDESCENT A.D are a blisteringly bright spark in the hardcore scene that deserve and demand to be acknowledged.

Rating: 8/10

Dissociation In Three Fractions is set for release on April 1st via Church Road Records.

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