EP REVIEW: Dream Awake – Defects
DEFECTS are a brand new modern metal band in the scene, having only formed late last year. However, there is something special about this formation, as it is made up of present and previous members of SHVPES, THE RAVEN AGE, SHE MUST BURN and WILD LIES. There is no denying that this band contains experienced and talented musicians, who have all had plenty of experience in the music industry. Having toured with some massive names in the past, including the likes of BRING ME THE HORIZON, IRON MAIDEN and BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, it is clear that DEFECTS are bound to be the next shining stars.
They released their debut single Scapegoat in the latter months of 2021, before revealing the follow-up End Of Days in March this year. More recently, DEFECTS have toured with the notable Swedish metal group IN FLAMES, before spending the summer months gathering an even more extensive fanbase at various festivals like Download, Bloodstock and 2000 Trees. In light of their first UK headline tour later this month, DEFECTS have just revealed their debut EP Dream Awake.
The EP contains a total of three hard-hitting tracks, which is just enough to provide a real taster of their sound to fans old and new. The first track on the release is Scapegoat, which starts off fantastically. A frantic, heavy metal guitar riff blasts right through our eardrums before Tony Maue‘s impactful vocals undoubtedly take over. The unclean vocals are so perfect, transforming effortlessly into the cleans without a second’s break. Additionally, the instrumentals are definitely not something to glaze over. You can already tell the experience and talent of these musicians just from listening to this opener.
End Of Days creates a magnificent build up before we are treated to another fantastic song. The clean sections are ridiculously infectious, whereas the unclean vocals are sure to get your head banging away in no time. This is most definitely the most memorable track on the EP so far. The closer is the title track Dream Awake. This song starts off slightly different to the others, as we are presented with Maue‘s clean vocals from the get-go; alluding to how talented this vocalist really is. This song contains yet another catchy chorus, which is exactly our cup of tea. The thundering guitar riffs are so impactful, making the track what it is.
From hearing just a snippet of what DEFECTS are all about, we are more than ready for more. Each song on this EP just portrays DEFECTS‘ pure talent and musicianship. It is so exciting that this is only the debut body of work from this band. It is crafted so well, with a progressive nature throughout which is so addictive and thrilling. This band are something special, that’s for sure, and we are honestly so pumped to hear what they create in the future.
Rating: 9/10
Dream Awake is out now via self-release.
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