EP REVIEW: The Hurt Will Go On – Code Orange

June 25, 2018 Jessica Howkins

Pittsburgh hardcore band CODE ORANGE have been making waves over the past couple years. The release of their third studio album Forever had the masses falling at their feet. From nominations at the Grammy Awards to WWE NXT Takeover performances they have been smashing it out the park. It seems only fitting that they keep the ball rolling by releasing a surprise EP, The Hurt Will Go On.

Kicking in with 3 Knives, you are hurtled at full force towards absolute chaos. It’s filled to the brim with the erratic chops and changes in sound, style and mood that make CODE ORANGE such a breath of fresh air. It certainly follows the style in which a lot of Forever had, and almost follows it loyally.

The Hunt is an exciting song as it features guest vocals from the iconic SLIPKNOT frontman Corey Taylor. It’s obvious to hear that SLIPKNOT are an influence in the staple CODE ORANGE sound with the experimentation and rawness. Taylor‘s vocals work in an outstanding fashion with this song, he fits in effortlessly like this song was made for him. The Hunt feels a little more haunting, despite being another furiously fast-paced and gut-wrenching experience. This is one for the live performances to come that will make fans lose their minds.

Closing the EP is The Hurt Will Go On – Shade Remix, as said it is a remix so it’s not going to be ending the EP with an almighty hardcore punch, but it is going to be fuelled with all sorts of twists and turns. It’s got moments where it feels like it’s going to really kick in, but ultimately it never does and just leads you on a trail of haunting sound effects, samples and vocals. It highlights the bands influences and some of their finest elements that make their outstanding sound possible, but as a remix to end an EP it doesn’t leave you entirely satisfied.

The Hurt Will Go On is everything you need to fill that gap in between CODE ORANGE releases. After Forever they left the masses hungry for more of their unique sound, and for three songs long it isn’t going to be brimmed with action, but they’ve given it as much as possible. A welcome stepping stone between releases.

Rating: 7/10

The Hurt Will Go On is out now via Roadrunner Records.

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