“I reach into the dark.”
Around this time two years ago Sentinels dropped their landmark record Collapse By Design. The progressive metalcore unit has toured intermittently in the time since, with vocalist Josh Hardiman eventually having to step away from touring due to ongoing health concerns. Following a string of instrumental performances, Sentinels then recruited Kenny Stroh of DeadVectors to fill in on vocal duties for their European/UK run with progressive metalcore contemporaries ERRA, Silent Planet, and Invent Animate. When it was later announced that Hardiman had left the group due to continued issues with his voice, it came as no surprise to see Stroh officially put forward as the group’s frontman with the release of “Glitch”, the first of three tracks from the upcoming In Limbo to feature Stroh in his new role.
“Glitch” was a strong first showing for the revitalized Sentinels. Chris Dombrowski (guitar), Danny Cruz (bass), and Dave Rucki (drums) haven’t missed a beat despite the change in lineup, with the group’s signature blend of crushing technicality and celestial ambience as potent as ever. The complexity and ever-shifting nature of Sentinels’ instrumental work necessitates a formidable vocalist that is able to keep pace with them. Stroh shows that he is more than up to the task, displaying strength in both his mid and lower ranges as he deftly navigates “Glitch”’s frenzied soundscape.
The remaining cuts on In Limbo round the rest of the EP out well, and work as effective builds to “Glitch” as its closing track. Opener “Nomadic” is equally as impactful as the closer, with Stroh showing off a few more shades of his vocal range, although those familiar with DeadVectors’ work know that his capabilities as a vocalist are even more far-reaching than what’s been displayed thus far. The titular “In Limbo” acts as the EP’s ambient mid-point, seamlessly bridging the gap between the tracks it sits between. If “Nomadic” is to be seen as an ascension, “In Limbo” is the subsequent floating through the cosmos before breaching into the void with “Glitch”.
In Limbo seems to be an apt name for Sentinels’ debut outing with Kenny Stroh at the helm. While the EP does feel like a natural continuation from where Collapse By Design left off, there is a sense of the group’s trajectory being suspended in mid-air as they once again try to establish themselves with a new frontman. Stroh’s strength as a vocalist is evident in this three-track showing, but it does feel like Sentinels have only just scratched the surface of what should be a fruitful new era for the group. With the knowledge that there is more hidden up Stroh’s sleeve that he has yet to reveal as he moves forward with his new group, I feel confident that Sentinels’ future projects will continue the momentum generated by In Limbo. Consider my interest piqued, and the hype effectively established.
8.5/10
In Limbo is available now via Sharptone Records. Various links to purchase Sentinels merch can be found here.