EP REVIEW: The Forlorn Path – Masser
The Forlorn Path is an intriguing listen. It’s the latest release from MASSER, a one-man project by multi-instrumentalist Gideon Waxman, and in its 20-minute runtime, it shows a greater depth than you might expect. At the base level, it’s a metalcore EP but this is not just another KILLSWITCH clone. Waxman has taken inspiration from film and videogame music and there’s a wealth of expansive melodies and atmospheric passages in the mix. It occasionally sounds like something that would play during a poignant moment in a Legend Of Zelda game and there’s a lot to commend here.
On the downside, this is arguably the least metal metalcore you’ll hear in the first half of 2024. The Forlorn Path has all the hallmarks of the genre, but it’s fragile and emotive rather than bull-headed and macho. The emphasis is primarily on the melodic side, but even during the heavier moments it can’t help feeling sad. MASSER’s songs revolve around themes like insomnia, health problems and the evils of social media and there’s a keen sense of being overwhelmed by the modern world. When everything is connected, it’s impossible to fully unplug and Waxman sounds like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders.
But providing you don’t come in expecting the sort of metalcore that thinks the carnivore diet is a good idea, there’s enough here to keep your attention. For one thing, the melodies are beautifully evocative, these songs could be devoid of all vocals and still tell compelling stories. The opening title track is ‘core at its most anguished and grief-stricken, while Through The Mist is three and a half sombre minutes of down-but-not-out optimism. The closing Guardian is a prog-metal love song with a hint of the Gothic and the closing sequence belongs on a movie soundtrack, the camera slowly panning up as the hero walks alone down a deserted motorway.
In other words, MASSER are going to have a hard time winning over HATEBREED fans, but supporters of emo-tinged metalcore should definitely keep their eyes on this one-man band. Occasionally, it is too downbeat to be truly enjoyable, but you can’t fault the ambition and drive that led to its creation. This would make terrible motivational gym music, but if you’re in the mood for heartfelt introspection and have already exhausted BEING AS AN OCEAN’s complete discography, try giving this very talented musician’s latest a spin.
Rating: 6/10
The Forlorn Path is set for release on February 2nd via self-release.
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