EP REVIEW: Sinner – Of Virtue
It is common these days for successful bands to come from humble beginnings. This adds to their journey and can impact the sort of music they aim to create, hoping to be more true to themselves and producing music they truly love. Michigan born OF VIRTUE have had such a journey, taking their combination of powerful metalcore and a positive outlook to gain the international acclaim that many strive for. Their forthcoming EP Sinner aims to build on this success, bringing catchy melodies and a big attitude.
First track Hypocrite begins with a techno backing layered with some hypnotic electronic vocals, making multiple appearances throughout the song as a cool hook. This doesn’t last long before the track drops into a jam of killer riffs and drum beats, shortly followed by the aggressive vocals of Tyler Ennis. The fast paced nature of this first verse combined with more electronic elements throughout make for a definite moshing song, sure to get any crowd moving. The techno voice used mainly in the hooks of this track has hints of BRING ME THE HORIZON and their song Parasite Eve, playing on the contrast that heavy music has with more mainstream styles.
Title track Sinner brings us some more BRING ME THE HORIZON vibes, starting off with an atmospheric segment of the chorus, downplayed to build some suspense. This track sways towards the more melodic end of the spectrum compared to the previous song, but this very tuneful take makes a big impact. The chorus has anthemic elements, being dramatic whilst also subtle, and makes you want to scream the lyrics along with the band. There are some pop sensibilities here, again with techno elements, but this was a great choice for a title track, being catchy enough to have you singing it in the back of your head all day.
Cold Blooded begins with some chime notes, dropping into a mixture of heavy drum beats, meaty guitars and string instruments. The hook section before the main chorus of this song has a nursery rhyme feel, adding an interesting element that sticks out in the song. The catchy rhythm keeps you nodding along, paired with the memorable lyrics for a classic and well-rounded track.
Lastly we have Echoes, opening with an artistic and atmospheric intro of someone asking for help in a barren wasteland. This sets up the tone for the rest of the song, asking for assistance and questioning what we have let happen to our surroundings. The calm of the verses subsides for the increase of pace in the heartfelt chorus, an emotional ending to a well-rounded EP that offers some heaviness in the beginning, then opening up to express shear emotion.
Rating: 9/10
Sinner is set for release on August 12th via Arising Empire.
Like OF VIRTUE on Facebook.