“In the quietest place, I hear the loudest screams.”
It seems that one way or another, progressive metalcore finds a way to pique my curiosity again. Having just covered Cliffside’s debut album, I determined that, while the genre often finds itself oversaturated, there are always bands that rise above with their own distinct flavour. Traveller is yet another example of this. The German quartet has a clear affinity with heavy ambience, and they use it to their advantage in creating truly emotional tracks. Aptly-named for this touching inflection, their sophomore EP, Homesick, expands upon the sound Traveller established on Distance Calls.
The title track begins the release with a gorgeous, reverb heavy clean guitar layered above chugs crafting the melancholic mood of the track. An introspective effort making use of many traffic-related metaphors, the character of the song yearns for a place to call home in a weary journey. The aforementioned clean guitars break up the track nicely throughout, with an added layer of keys lending satisfying contrast.
“Imprint” details leaving a toxic relationship behind, taking an angrier tone with a tinge of despondency. The increase in intensity for this track is matched impressively well by the band, particularly in the flurry of kicks provided by drummer Bertrand Rothen. The line “brand new skin with old mistakes” really encapsulates the sentiment of the track, showing lyrical chops on top of the group’s stellar composition.
These two tracks are just examples of what Homesick has to offer. Traveller are consistent in creating a nuanced and cinematic atmosphere in each track. The emotion of each track is heightened by these elements, and the hallmarks of this style of metalcore are utilised well; vocalist Jens Böthin displays an extensive range, with stable, powerful screams further elevating the emotional impact of the EP. His cleans are also a strong point, having a talent for memorable hooks, especially on the likes of “Burdens” and “Road Journal”.
The band put their best foot forward instrumentally throughout, with guitarist Jens Cedric Pieper and bassist Nico Schwanitz crafting the impressive ambience that fills the mix and the ears of the listener – in true progressive metalcore style. Pieper’s skills are on full display in many tracks, with his Invent Animate-style tapping riffs present on many tracks such as “Lethargy”. The riffs on the album are momentum-filled and intricate, leaving many details for multiple listens. The guitar work ranges from highly technical leads to clean ambient breaks, and numerous other impressive playing styles that fill the space in a satisfying manner. Whilst the EP shines in its balance of downtuned guitars and melody, the heavier moments are also nothing short of impressive, their impact giving the release a weightier hit. “Bloom” has a standout moment in this regard, with its descending, dissonance-filled riffs stealing the show during the breakdown.
A reflective piece about the emotions of a journey, Homesick justifiably feels like a full and complete release. The melancholy captured by the details of each track is the biggest highlight of the EP, and nothing feels out of place. With their sophomore release, Traveller takes the already steady foundation of its genre’s giants and builds an impressive creation of their own. The result is something truly impactful.
9/10
Homesick is set for independent release this Friday, August 18th. Pre-order the album here.