“Shackles gripping tight pulled off from the throne.“
There is always a certain anticipation around a band’s debut full-length; it can only ever be done once and can make or break their trajectory. This is inescapable when it comes to GEL and their upcoming record, Only Constant. The New Jersey outfit has only seen the hype around them deservedly grow since their debut in 2019, with their most recent split EP, Shock Therapy, launching them into the consciousness of many. With GEL tipped to dominate 2023, Only Constant looks set to rightfully increase the odds of this happening.
As Only Constant opens with “Honed Blade“, GEL pick up where they left off with sharp riffs and tight drum grooves. The track bounces and commands attention as “Sharpen up your voice” is yelled out. The world that GEL is building here takes shape. Harder cuts are quickly dropped, with “Fortified” a track that will undoubtedly set a room moving. The aggression in the drums is noticeable to the ear, adding extra potency to the track. This leads into the highlight of Only Constant‘s opening moments with “Attainable“, where the ruthless aggression of GEL is sublimely blended with some reverbed guitar and drumwork on the verses that inject themselves into the senses.
As “Out of Mind” and “Dicey” enter the fray, the mind sets to whether GEL can firmly cement their sound across a full-length, as the territory of an EP’s length begins to be left behind. Both tracks continue what has become GEL‘s strong point of shimmy-inducing riffs with their blend of hardcore from the previous century and stylistic punk. While familiar and accessible, this might fail to fully satisfy long-standing listeners of the genre.
The midway point also presents interlude “Calling Card“, which includes snippets from a hotline that GEL set up, allowing fans to rant about the ills of day-to-day life. The track ends on their phrasing “Hardcore is for the freaks.” Unfortunately, it may suffer from the one listen and eternal skip afterward, as many of these types of interludes do. On “The Way Out“, Kaiser‘s vocals continue to cut through and ensure that they won’t be forgotten, proving again that he is arguably one of the most unique vocalists in hardcore at the moment.
Tracks “Worn Down” and “Snake Skin” refuse to let up, and many of GEL‘s cuts are even more explosive and enjoyable live. These tracks yearn to be seen in that environment. Closing with the lengthy “Composure“, Only Constant departs with a hopeful narrative. It avoids the patronizing elements that can be offered up at times, with a firm “Navigate boldly, with a drive to fucking direct.” The chaotic outro gives the mind a moment to take in what GEL has offered up across the album’s duration.
Only Constant sees GEL become fully realized and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with. Their full-length debut only emboldens them, and there seems to be few limits on what they will be able to achieve. While choosing to focus on their now well-known sound and influences might present detractors, it would be difficult to find any other active band doing it as well as GEL. There is plenty to enjoy and embrace on what will certainly be among the best hardcore records of this year.
8.5/10
Only Constant is out March 31st via Convulse Records, and can be pre-ordered here.