“I tried to speak, but the words were gone.“
It’s not very often nowadays that a band builds up hype without releasing any music. IMISSYOUALREADY is an exception, however, having accrued a somewhat cult-like following through their exceptional live performances over the last year or so. It was only a matter of time before they finally put out an official release, and with their inclusion on The Coming Strife‘s latest compilation Dusk’s Cold Embrace, we got a taste of what they were truly made of. Now, with the release of of teardrop stained glass and a dream i once had, we’re finally able to experience the band’s vision in its full glory.
One of our “Ones to Watch” picks, we had high expectations for this band. Given their line up consisting of talent from other bands within the space, and their stellar live sets, we already knew that whatever they put out was going to be a base level of good. We weren’t quite prepared for how impressive they were going to be, though, and of teardrop stained glass and a dream i once had is a showcase of their prowess. A metalcore band by all definitions, IMISSYOUALREADY takes everything we’ve come to know and love from the recent metalcore revival and doubles down on it. Heavy, chugging guitars, lighter, riffy moments, thunderous drums, and ludicrously harsh vocals, IMISSYOUALREADY has it all, and despite its short, 4-track-long runtime, it absolutely leaves you wanting more.
The band wastes no time throwing us into the carnage, with “dear father” briefly being introduced by a menacing guitar riff before descending into chaos. Two-step dance breaks, chugging breakdowns, and dual vocals perfect for a call and response, it’s no wonder that this band has already established such a strong live presence. This is a trend that continues throughout the EP, with “in your fading gaze” also introducing an ambient, spoken-word section as a brief reprieve from the carnage. Adding to the atmosphere and aiding the pacing, this break only makes the remainder of the track hit all the harder, with vocalist Bella Sakr‘s shrieks feeling all the more impactful.
“solace in vain” sees a scattering of different vocal styles (and vocalists), with other members of the band contributing to the onslaught. Despite being the shortest track on the release, it is arguably the heaviest, stripping things back a bit in comparison to the rest of the EP and emphasising the ridiculous vocal talents the band possesses. “a prayer at death’s door” sees the EP out, introducing clean vocals into the fold, as if the band wasn’t already overflowing with talent. It’s a culmination of the three tracks prior, taking portions of each and becoming a behemoth in its own right. A summary of sorts, it puts into perspective just how strong this band is, with each track offering a twist to keep things feeling fresh.
IMISSYOUALREADY have showcased more talent in their debut EP than many aspiring metalcore bands do in the span of a decade. Putting it down to the star power of some of its members would be unfair, though, as there’s a level of talent here across the board which can’t be brought about by one or two individuals alone. This EP is a team effort, and a labour of love to the genre and the scene surrounding it. It’s a showcase of what can be achieved when you give a shit about what you’re doing and give it your all, taking the time to hone your craft. It also goes to show that bands don’t need to spit out material left, right, and centre to garner a following, and that, instead, the live circuit and giving people a set to talk about can be equally effective. IMISSYOUALREADY will undoubtedly continue to grow now that of teardrop stained glass and a dream i once had is out there for the world to hear, and it’s something truly deserved. If you have the opportunity to catch this band live, do it, you will not regret it.
8.5/10
of teardrop stained glass and a dream i once had is out now via The Coming Strife, and is available to purchase here.