“Burn them down.”
It’s difficult to ignore the sound coming out of Florida in recent months and years, with bands such as Second Effigy, Tracheotomy, Graveview and Burning Strong being more than impressive units. Now with their debut full length in Life’s Cold Grasp, Domain set themselves among Florida’s finest acts, if not the wider states.
The wall of sound that encompasses “Victory in Slaughter” is nothing short of impressive. Huge vocals lead the charge with grand riffs and crushing drum rudiments; it makes for a metaphorical kick in the face to open up the record. As it continues into “Spores of Industry”, Life’s Cold Grasp does not let up, featuring one from the first impressive vocal performances from Tyler of SCARAB. It’s the metallic hardcore of the olden days that would have you kicking a hole the nearest drywall.
Two-step moments are prioritised on “Ballad of Fallen Angels” as the track continues the relentless assault. Mid point tracks “Noix et Boules” and “Chaos Reigns” serve up the bludgeoning sound of Life’s Cold Grasp, with little variation, for better or for worse. “Suffer to Believe” sees a second feature from Terror, as the maddening vocals and riffs become ever more impressive. Vogel’s vocals fit snugly and add a good moment to an already solid track.
Even as Life’s Cold Crasp enters “Divine Intervention” and “Corrode” (which features Indecision) it’s difficult to not embrace the sheer rage of the record. For some it may feel weary, as the double kicks hit the track it awakens the ear. The almost yelled vocals closing it out show a moment of sheer ferality.
As Life’s Cold Grasp closes with “No Escape/Crimson World”, the prowess of the record is evident. Its ethos is to be uncompromising and this pays off through the forceful displays of vocal and instrumental performances. It’s a welcome that is not overstayed, and cosy features makes Life’s Cold Grasp more than digestible, even with it’s forceful sound. This is an LP that should see Domain become a staple of the metallic hardcore genre.
8/10
Life’s Cold Grasp drops on the 8th March through Daze-Style and can be pre-ordered here.