Hailing from Nanaimo, British Columbia in Canada, Christopher Adam’s solo project Refiner brings forward new material with the “Return To Dust” EP. Refiner is one of the newest members of the Rottweiler Records’ roster and is already making plans for future releases, hinting at another EP and a full length album in the near future. With such ambition comes great expectations.
The project is rather young, releasing their debut “Firewalker” in 2022, which put on display Christopher’s unique take to Christian metal that is a blend of metalcore and industrial with blackened hardcore vocals. Although Refiner may not be well known (yet), folks may be more familiar with Christopher’s other enterprise, For The Rock, which is an underground Christian Metal promotional project that produces music reaction videos, interviews, and song samplers which are available on Bandcamp. It is thanks to For The Rock that many underground Christian bands get much needed exposure. I for one enjoy seeing the compilations in my Bandcamp feed as it helps me keep a pulse on the underground Christian metal market.
“Return To Dust” opens with electronic synths giving an industrial edge to their sound. A recitation from the prodigal son parable starts the track off leading into the introduction of down-tuned guitars and a heavy chunky sound with haunting electronic synths in the background. Once it gets going, it has a good groove with some cool riffs to get you bobbing your head. The vocals swing between black metal and hardcore in the verses with clean vocals backing in the chorus. There is an almost anthemic quality to the song making for a good opening track.
“Not The End” starts with a grooving riff and blackened death vocals that lead into more of a metalcore style with the chop and stop, off-kilter rhythms. The rhythmic precision in sections support that industrial feel which is in contrast with the edgy synth motif that maintains the haunting atmosphere. The focus is on the rhythm over melody, but still has some memorable riffs, even if they are in the rumbly lower frequencies.
And like that, we are done. With only two songs, it is hard to get into too much trouble for a review, but also it doesn’t give much of an opportunity to showcase Refiner’s songwriting. I really like the musical language Christopher is using with rumbly guitars, synths, and blackened hardcore vocals, so having a longer work to review will be fun, when it comes. There will be instrumental tracks of these two songs to pad out the length, which I think will be neat with the mix of metalcore sensibilities and atmospheric synths. With the promise of more music down the line, I will be sure to keep my eye on the project and see how it progresses.
Rating: 8/10
Written by Sean Bailey
Tracklist
1 – Return to Dust
2 – Not The End
Refiner is:
Christopher Adam – everything
Release Date: February 28, 2025
Record Label: Rottweiler Records
Discography:
Firewalker – EP (2022)
Return to Dust – EP (2025)
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Bandcamp (Rottweiler) | Bandcamp (Firewalker)
Video for Return To Dust