“I am trapped in sideration”
Self-described as a transcontinental modern deathcore band, Face Yourself have been on an independent grind since their inception in 2023, releasing three EPs in the same year. Their approach to deathcore could be described as “short and sweet”, with each EP being a straightforwardly heavy package with collaborations with many vocalists from fellow underground deathcore bands. Taking as break in 2024 and scoring a label deal with Sumerian Records in 2025, they return with yet another EP, Martyr. Produced and mixed by the legendary Joey Sturgis, the band seek greater heights with the release of this EP.
Opener “Primal” doesn’t waste much time getting to the heaviness. Sampling an excerpt from a phone call (I think it is?) complimenting them at the start, the track launches into an impressive high-scream performance from frontwoman Yasmine Liverneaux. There’s somewhat of a light-hearted spin on this nu-metal coded track, throwing in a Willhelm scream and the aforementioned phone call segment while launching into a barrage towards any detractors. This short intro track is straightforwardly heavy in a rather fun way.
This balls-to-the-wall heaviness is a trait that consumes the entire 14 minute runtime of the EP, giving little-to-no space to catch a breath in the madness. “Predatory” ups the ante on Liverneaux’s vocal prowess with an impressively fast, inhuman-sounding screamed section. Her vocals thrpughput the EP are undoubtedly feral, switching between highs and lows effortlessly. Supplemented with backing screams from both guitarist Corey Doremus and bassist Kyle Muenzner, the vocal combo is undeniably pissed.
The technical ability of the band definitely should not go understated. Doremus, Muenzer, and second rhythm guitarist Thomas Cardone drive the rhythm of the EP with aggression, laying down gnarly riffs and downtuned chugs of various tempos and ferocities. The breakdowns on “The Poet” and “Sideration” stand out as particularly brutal. Lead guitarist Dave Ricco breaks up the heaviness with his tasteful choices in lead work, with a particular highlight being the solo at the end of “Saboteur”. Drummer Eric DiCarlo puts on an impressive show of his skills throughout the EP, keeping up with the manic pace of each track with ease. The band craft an eerie and foreboding atmosphere on each track with all these elements combined, backed with electronic details that add to the throwback “MySpace deathcore” sound that Face Yourself brand themselves on.
Martyr matches the quality of Face Yourself’s prior efforts, offering yet another succinct package of unhinged heaviness. Admittedly, it can feel quite one-note at points, with this sonic barrage of deathcore running at max heart rate for the entire length of the EP. In terms of achieving its purpose though, Martyr definitely succeeds in crafting something heavy and fun, with a straightforwardness that is hard to not find admirable.
7/10
Martyr releases on the 18th of April via Sumerian Records. Pre-order and merch links for the EP can be found here.