The Promise

Endast, the toung Montreal prodigies have released their first EP: The Promise. Here we have a display of solid metalcore with breakdowns, chug riffs and some nice lead play. Chris Arsenian and Christophe Ledent prove to be a pretty good guitar duo as the tracks are tight and the riffing is pretty precise.

The title track kicks things off with a bang, delivering aquick assault of riffology. This song has a very anthemic feel to it with big chords and gang vocals.

"Something Worth Fighting For" is another solid track with very catchy riffs and rythm patterns. The Chorus is particularlymemorable simply because it is very catchy.

"Apathy Our Enemy" has a very similar sound to the previous track with the same kind of attack, once again the riffs hold the song together, with some interesting chords juxtaposed very well with the rythm pattern. There is also a pretty good solo and bridge that adds a compositional element to the band's sound.

"Once is Never Enough" is probably the best song on the release. The verse riff is very catchy and the breakdown is very heavy and could entice a pit rather quickly. The track is a perfect display of the band as they should be heard.

"Eloise" is an acoustic track, not particularly memorable but pleasant nonetheless.

"Undying" has a very fast intro before resting in a groove that carries through the verses. Some tasteful lead work insues, with Arsenian adding some melody to a punchy groove. The rythm remins very consistent throughout the song with a couple of time changes towards the end. Another breakdown ends the track with a heavy grind.

Finally we have the bonus track "Die For Another". The song starts with a tapping line over some sampling and punchy riffing. This is probably the heaviest track on the record. Harmonised lines followed by aggressive chugging make for interesting arrangements. The track speeds up, with a powerful bridge and breakdown. The transition into the verse is quite flawless, with some more lead work only to finish with the same tapping line it started with.

At this point, the band were very much influenced by In Flames and Soilwork as well as God Forbid and other metalcore acts. The only difference is that they've taken the melodic death metal sound and given it a North American flavor, very reminiscent of metal core.

The guitar playing I would say should be considered the record's strong suit. The riffs are good and the tracksare pretty tight. The vocals are aggressive and in your face. Big James Arsenian shows a lot of emotion and power in his vocal delivery.

The soft point of this record would have to be the production, where there is a bit lacking. Sometimes the sound doesn't have as much crunch as it needs.

This is a bnd that are clearlyon their way, some interesting stuff to say the least.