Is this the hell that I have to pay?
I sometimes find it tough to open reviews for new bands. Usually, my opening statements are littered with anecdotes and tidbits about the group’s past and journey up to this point. However, I find no such issue with Mourn, and their debut The Next Life.
Of course, the members of this brand new group have come off of the likes of groups like Casey and Continents; but with Mourn, and particularly with this debut, they’ve put their best foot forward in such a way that I don’t feel the need to wax lyrical about their past endeavors. Putting it simply, The Next Life is some of the best that metalcore has to offer, by a group that, while new as a unit, by all accounts clearly know what the fuck they are doing.
Opener and second single “Pray For Violence” is a violent flurry of aggression. Drenched in atmosphere, while simultaneously packing the necessary punch to keep the listener eagerly perched on the edge of their seat, the opener sets a fantastic tone for the release. Pissed off, chunky and haunting to its core; “Pray For Violence” is a metalcore masterclass. The breakdown found at its midpoint serves as standout moment across the entire EP, and evokes that wonderful feeling in which you just know this would be a glorious live experience.
Following tracks “Hell To Pay” and “Gloom” impress similarly. The latter of the two, featuring Bleed From Within’s Scott Kennedy, contains some seriously fierce riff work amongst unabashed brutality and chugging. Further, its closing moments provide a wonderful sense of reprieve, trading the blinding aggression for a gorgeously sombre piano passage, leading into the EP’s fourth and final track wonderfully.
“The Next Life” follows suit confidently and without abandon. While this track contains furious blast beats and piercing vocals aplenty; where this track truly excels, much like the opener, is in its atmosphere. Moody, droning synths over mournfully aggressive instrumentals line the penultimate moments of the EP, eventually leading to a brutal final smash as vocalist Rhy Griffiths screams “give me death.”
Overall, The Next Life is a beyond stellar debut from what is, in my eyes, one of the UK’s most exciting groups. What Mourn have crafted here is truly special, and if there’s any justice in this world, they will surely join the likes of Loathe and Sleep Token as the UK’s next breakout stars. The Next Life is available now via self-release, and you can purchase or stream the EP here. For all things Mourn, metal and music in general, keep it locked on Boolin Tunes.
9.5/10