The full-length debut from one of hardcore and metalcore’s newest, rising stars delivers on multiple levels.
Since the release of their self-titled EP back in 2013, Massachusetts’ Vein have been on an upward trajectory toward prominence within the modern hardcore scene. Like many of their contemporaries, Vein reshapes early metalcore sounds and incorporates them into a modern hardcore blend that never skimps on groove or chaos. But it is their willingness to experiment and pull influence from unexpected places that have given them an edge over the competition, not to mention their hellacious live performances. It is clear that the band have been making quite the name for themselves and, with the release of Errorzone, they continue to do so.
Errorzone is a 28-minute sensory overload that features what one would expect from the band at this point, but a healthy dose of surprises as well. The blistering, 11-track record is brought to life by the opening track and lead single “Virus://Vibrance”. This two-minute burst of chaos sets the mood for the entire album with its dissonant chords, angular riffs and almost nu-metal inspired grooves. Peppered with wailing, cybernetic guitar effects and eccentric string bending inflections, and spearheaded by Anthony DiDio’s scathing screams, “Virus://Vibrance” is a glorious kick-in-the-teeth that is only the tip of the iceberg.
“Old Data in a Dead Machine” follows shortly after with a violent barrage of grimy, dissonant riffs that quickly drown in industrial noise before delivering breakdowns of mosh-worthy proportions. This neck-breaking number flows directly into the 67-second, groove-heavy hardcore jam “Rebirth Protocol” that packs in as punch as possible within its short time frame. Other miniature tunes include the catchy, breakbeat-laden industrial interlude “Anesthesia” and the rambunctious “Untitled”; a solid minute of Dillinger Escape Plan-esque, jittery riffs and anthemic alternative metal stylings accentuated by soaring clean vocals indicative of early 2000s post-hardcore and emo.
The aforementioned alternative/post-hardcore sound can be heard scattered throughout the record, but most notably during the final moments of the title track. “Errorzone” begins by pounding listeners into dust with hellacious, galloping riffs and arresting, dissonant breakdowns. The song then begins to flow seamlessly into a chugging interlude before launching into a melodic climax complete with wailing clean vocals, shimmering leads and piano accompaniment.
Overall, Errorzone is a no-holds-barred barrage of volatile instrumentation and general sonic mayhem. It is as vicious and unpredictable as it’s memorable and creative. It would seem Vein have nowhere else to go but up from here.
Rating: 8/10
Release Date: June 22, 2018
Label: Closed Casket Activities
Favorite Tracks: “Virus://Vibrance”, “Old Data in a Dead Machine”, “Untitled”, “End Eternal” and “Errorzone”
For Fans Of: Jesus Piece, Code Orange, Incendiary, Zao and Eighteen Visions
