“For the prophet of broken promise.”
Sporadically, a single drops that crystallises an entire project; such was the case with Final Gasp’s lead single, “The Apparition”. The chime of the cymbal, the big rock riffs, and expansive vocals made for a listen that felt ever so familiar in its mannerisms, yet distinctly unique in the modern metal landscape. A blend of soundscapes, moving between direct vocal yells and dreamy, reverbed guitars, it was a track that made one yearn for more. This yearning was answered, as Final Gasp offered their sophomore full-length record in the form of New Day Symptoms.
As the record rolls through its initial offering with “Look Away” and “Gifted Shame”, there could be a quick perception that this is just another crossover-hardcore or death-rock album. Yet, a hook-driven intensity in “Gifted Shame” elevates it above that categorization. Meanwhile, “Look Away” leans into gothier elements with a bouncing, dark rhythm and anthemic moments that drive the track forward on the command, “Towards the Endless Sky.” The ability to make their sound feel absolutely huge continues on the midpoint track “No Hand To Lead”, as the distorted guitars loop through old-school rock grooves, contrasted with the expansive vocals that are a mainstay of New Day Symptons.
These gothic and doomier elements show themselves in different ways. “Burials of Birth” amps up the pace with a reverbed-tinged guitar tone that gives a glistening quality, cutting through the track. Final Gasp’s skill at writing big, beefy choruses is what gives a lot of tracks their colour, showcased on the aforementioned single, “The Apparition”, still a standout once it is taken in context of the record. Lines like “I don’t want to see your face, falling out of place and drowning, hands not calling out” become immediate vocal hooks that embed themselves in the mind. The ultra-chainsaw guitar tone that closes out the track gives it a sharper edge than it would have had if it simply carried on with its initial rock song structure.
It’s not until later on with the title track “New Day Symptoms” that Final Grasp fully embraces the hardcore influences present across the record, entering full crossover territory. Tight drum grooves give a platform for the punk-styled vocals to snarl and bark through the track, and the 80s thrash riffs are given time to showcase themselves. For all its verbosity and swagger, there is a melancholy that seeps through on the chorus. This leads into the closer, “Pale Sun”, a classic metal closer wracked with melancholy from its guitar-driven dirge. It perhaps lacks a gargantuan crescendo moment, yet that could have been taken away from its sorrowful tone and become overstated.
Drawing on a wide range of hardcore, dark rock, thrash, and death metal influences, Final Gasp’s ability to piece them together into a cohesive and often deeply impressive record is highly commendable. This leads to a record that challenges the listener’s ability to deconstruct and digest a track, and one that will draw in and open these sounds to listeners from across various genres. Final Gasp has evidently chosen to only put forward their strongest showings on New Day Symptoms, and while eight tracks can leave the record feeling somewhat short, it has ensured that each track is one of true quality. Given the songwriting and instrumental ability shown across New Day Symptoms, as well as its broad crossover appeal, Final Gasp’s trajectory following this release will certainly be one to watch.
8/10
New Day Symptoms releases on the 27th February through Relapse Records and can be pre-ordered here.