“Careless or calculated? A poison on the needle.”
Hailing from Glasgow, alt-metal outfit Sixth Wonder is a relative newcomer to the scene. Emerging with their first few singles in 2021, they aim to craft a cinematic storytelling experience with their self-described “djent-pop” sound. Their upcoming first EP, Prologue serves as a first step into the world that they aim to create.
Opening track “Thorn” sets a gloomy, film noir-esque atmosphere with its moody, reverb-drowned guitar leads and dark synths layered with the distant sounds of sirens. A punch of djenty riffs opens the song up. Guitarists Dylan McVey and Nathan McDowall and drummer Sean Love lead the charge instrumentally with a mix of intricate riff work and grooves to match. Vocalist Rebekah Kirk comes right off the bat with a set of monstrous screams before swerving into haunting cleans, showcasing her range impressively in a short span of time. The atmosphere on display on “Thorn” is weighty and well-constructed, carrying an aura of mystery and intrigue. The track culminates with a reliably destructive breakdown, bringing an impactful conclusion to the track as ominous piano notes gently carry the song away.
“Ropeburn” begins on a similarly mysterious note as “Thorn” with its suspenseful synths and a spoken word bit by Kirk. The proggy, low-string guitar work is established as a clear feature of Sixth Wonder’s sound; their enveloping nature playing its part in crafting the full atmosphere of their sound. The balance between evocative, melodic sections and crushingly heavy instrumentation is well executed by the band. The pummelling, harmonic-laced breakdown near the end of the track is undoubtedly entertaining, yet also serving a cathartic purpose in the context of the suspenseful buildup of the song.
The EP switches gears on “Guts”, heading straight for a heavier, nu-metalcore-esque style mixed in with the djenty guitars. The bouncy, nu-metal inspired chorus is an unexpected switch-up, matching the shift in tone to an angrier sound. While I must say it’s an interesting idea, the concept doesn’t fully land in execution. The punchy, djent-injected nu-metal grooves are a fun combination, but the delivery of the chorus feels somewhat awkward with its overly aggressive delivery and unfitting style that causes it to stick out for the wrong reasons. Nonetheless, I still do respect the effort.
Interlude “Feed The Hand” serves as an eerie intro to the closing track, with unnerving atmospheric noise supplemented by sirenlike falsetto notes from Kirk creating for a horror-like experience. Closing track “Death Departed” returns the EP to more familiar territory, with aggressive, Northlane-esque riffs leading the start of the track. The cinematic sound that the band has sought to achieve feels well realised here, with special attention to its ethereal, floaty chorus that complements its heavier nature well. The track’s ending breakdown showcases the band’s propensity in writing a solid heavy section yet again, and the ending chorus shows off some impressive lead work hidden subtly behind the massive atmosphere. Kirk’s vocals carry a powerful presence to them as she belts out the final chorus and screams the final verse, ending the track on a high note.
While Sixth Wonder are, at least in my opinion, still some distance away in truly finding their footing, Prologue definitely is a strong showing of their potential. They are undeniably capable of crafting an engaging and cinematic experience as demonstrated on most of the EP. There is a willingness to experiment that the band possesses as well, even if it results in a few missteps. With further refinement of their sound and perhaps a longer, more fleshed out future release, Sixth Wonder will be able to unleash a new dimension to their sound.
7/10
Prologue releases on the 2nd of July via independent release. You can pre-save the EP here, and you can find links to the band’s merch here.