Vera Grace
Formed in 2011, Oxfordshire based Vera Grace have already made an impact on the scene since beginning to craft their own approach to modern metal-core. Due to release their EP ‘Rotations’ In May of this year, the band have taken the lead from the likes of Underoath and Parkway Drive to offer up an altered take on metal core, producing a debut record loaded with intensity and promise. For a band so young in the making, this promises to be something of an epic moment!
From the moment Wasting Away comes into being it’s clear that the band have worked hard to craft their own personal sound, keeping a firm footing within melody but making sure there’s enough power there to please even the heaviest fans out there. Roving between raspy distorted vocals through to cleaned up chanted style ones, there’s some real contrasts running through this track, always adding in something new to keep the track interesting and alive. What’s most striking here is the sheer power behind the track, the bass is kept high which keeps a constant rumble moving within the track but the guitars add in a new dimension, moving from solid riffs through to intricate lead lines, awesome stuff!
Lost follows an almighty breakdown and keeps the theme of the album firmly set on melodic power, once again launching into a face melting melee of vocals and fast paced drumming. Focusing more on the metal-core style within this track, it’s almost like the band have set out to craft a track which demonstrates that they can play heavy when they want to, and heavy they achieve. That said, there are still the soaring melodic moments which break the mould on this track, once again adding in moments which are going to get live crowds chanting along. Esther’s Imagination continues the heavier approach, opening sounding almost disjointed at first but soon pulling everything back together and forming a track which is surely going to ignite pits across the country. Throwing in another anthemic chorus to make sure the crowds are still firmly on board, this track is testament to the bands outlook of creating their own take on music rather than copying anyone else, it’s unique and exciting to hear.
Title track Rotations is a high point on the EP, opening with soft guitar lines before adding in screaming vocal lines, the contrast of heavy against clean coming as a shock initially but soon taking its rightful place on the EP. Sounding almost like InFlames in their ability to contrast soft and heavy, this track is a true demonstration of what a band can do when they set their mind to it and want to create something different, yet it’s only just over a minute long. Acting almost as a lead in track to I Am The Earth, everything suddenly takes a very different turn and all of the soft soothing notes of the previous track are forgotten, launching straight into a heavy mix of guitars, drums and bass combined with roaring vocal lines. Throwing in some syncopated beats to make sure the track is kept alive and interesting, this track closes the EP but opens a new chapter at the same time, showcasing a band who are only just setting out on their journey, but could well be destined for much bigger things.
Vera Grace have managed to craft their own take on metal here, and it’s good to hear. All too often, bands can hear something they like and then set out to sound just like it, but that’s not the case here. Sure, there’s break downs, gang vocals and more distorted power than you can shake a stick at, but at the same time there’s also soaring melodies and moments which will sit you back in your seat and just make you listen, something which is all too often lost. I can’t wait to see what comes next from these guys as based on this, it could well be awesome!
To find out more about Vera Grace, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
From the moment Wasting Away comes into being it’s clear that the band have worked hard to craft their own personal sound, keeping a firm footing within melody but making sure there’s enough power there to please even the heaviest fans out there. Roving between raspy distorted vocals through to cleaned up chanted style ones, there’s some real contrasts running through this track, always adding in something new to keep the track interesting and alive. What’s most striking here is the sheer power behind the track, the bass is kept high which keeps a constant rumble moving within the track but the guitars add in a new dimension, moving from solid riffs through to intricate lead lines, awesome stuff!
Lost follows an almighty breakdown and keeps the theme of the album firmly set on melodic power, once again launching into a face melting melee of vocals and fast paced drumming. Focusing more on the metal-core style within this track, it’s almost like the band have set out to craft a track which demonstrates that they can play heavy when they want to, and heavy they achieve. That said, there are still the soaring melodic moments which break the mould on this track, once again adding in moments which are going to get live crowds chanting along. Esther’s Imagination continues the heavier approach, opening sounding almost disjointed at first but soon pulling everything back together and forming a track which is surely going to ignite pits across the country. Throwing in another anthemic chorus to make sure the crowds are still firmly on board, this track is testament to the bands outlook of creating their own take on music rather than copying anyone else, it’s unique and exciting to hear.
Title track Rotations is a high point on the EP, opening with soft guitar lines before adding in screaming vocal lines, the contrast of heavy against clean coming as a shock initially but soon taking its rightful place on the EP. Sounding almost like InFlames in their ability to contrast soft and heavy, this track is a true demonstration of what a band can do when they set their mind to it and want to create something different, yet it’s only just over a minute long. Acting almost as a lead in track to I Am The Earth, everything suddenly takes a very different turn and all of the soft soothing notes of the previous track are forgotten, launching straight into a heavy mix of guitars, drums and bass combined with roaring vocal lines. Throwing in some syncopated beats to make sure the track is kept alive and interesting, this track closes the EP but opens a new chapter at the same time, showcasing a band who are only just setting out on their journey, but could well be destined for much bigger things.
Vera Grace have managed to craft their own take on metal here, and it’s good to hear. All too often, bands can hear something they like and then set out to sound just like it, but that’s not the case here. Sure, there’s break downs, gang vocals and more distorted power than you can shake a stick at, but at the same time there’s also soaring melodies and moments which will sit you back in your seat and just make you listen, something which is all too often lost. I can’t wait to see what comes next from these guys as based on this, it could well be awesome!
To find out more about Vera Grace, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls