Blistering passion, addictive riffs and crushing vocals filled with emotion: This is Cedron! At least, that is what Redfield Records has to say about Cedron. They also state that: the Söderhamn based modern hardcore four-piece can be considered one of Sweden’s most hardworking bands.
In 2012 they released their debut EP “Watching The Sun Turn Pitch Black”. As a result of this Cedron played all over Sweden with bands like Slipknot, Disturbed, August Burns Red and Bring Me The Horizon. They also did their first European tour, followed by a UK run.
One year later Cedron released their first full-length album called “Chased By Shades”. Following this, they played ten shows in Australia and they did an extensive tour through Europe, playing shows in over 30 different countries.
Now we have their newest record “Valence”. This is an eight-track album consisting of political, yet personal messages and stories of kids growing up in a small town in the north of Sweden.
“Valence” will be out February 12th, 2016 via Redfield Records.
First track ‘Time Heal My Wounds’ begins to swell out and gives an instant glimpse of what Cedron has in store for us. After about 35 seconds the four-piece band treats us on an up-tempo hardcore song. This song also has it’s quiet moments at the half part of the song. After that is builds up again.
‘Walking Gravestones’ begins with an off-chord, quickly followed by fast paced drums and guitars. Again a straight forward hardcore song. But this song also has it’s surprises, it has very interesting breaks.
When we reach ‘Neverlasting’ the drumkit is almost smashed to pieces at the beginning. This song has a more melodic chorus. The dynamic in this song, actually in every song, is very diverse.
Cedron delivers hardcore with a twist. Every time you think that you have figured it out they achieve to surprise you. Maybe that is what modern hardcore is all about.
In ‘No Peace Without Justice’ they scream: “We are not for sale!” I don’t suppose that they are revering to their musical style, but as far as I am concerned it could relate to that. They follow their own course without being hindered by the borders of what we are used to hear in hardcore.
‘The Underground’ starts off with a more or less clean guitar sound and spoken word. This, again, is followed by a little up-tempo piece interspersed with slower moments and spoken word. This is no ordinary hardcore song, but hey, that goes for all the songs on this album.
‘Writing Love’ is with 1:26 minutes the shortest song. This one also begins with tranquil guitar, only to build up to an up-tempo hardcore song. Did I hear a little blast beat?
We already have reached the last song ‘No One Else Can Take Your Part’. Again a song that begins slow, with only guitar and spoken word. Suddenly the heaviness comes in, this song has a menacing sound and treats us on a gut-wrenching experience as Anton screams: ”No one else can take your place”. I understand that this maybe sounds a bit unpleasant but trust me, it is not.
After having heard the album for a few times now, the only question is: Is Redfield Records right when they stated what I wrote at the beginning of this review? The answer is a wholeheartedly yes!
The hard work paid off and I state together with Redfield: “Blistering passion, addictive riffs and crushing vocals filled with emotion: This is Cedron!”
Rating: 8/10
Written by: René Woning
Tracklist:
1. Time Heal My Wounds
2. Walking Gravestones
3. Neverlasting
4. Done Breathing
5. No Peace Without Justice
6. The Underground
7. Writing Love
8. No One Else Can Take Your Part
Band members:
Anton Larsson – Vocals
Joakim Pettersson – Drums
Dennis Bertilsson – Guitar
Christoffer Goude – Bass
Discography:
“Watching The Sun Turn Pitch Black” (2012)
“Chased By Shades” (2013)
“Valence” (2016)
Record label: Redfield Records, February 2016
Weblinks: Twitter / Instagram / Bandcamp / Facebook
Buy the album here:
Holland: First Paradox
Norway: Nordic Mission
Video for ‘Time Heal My Wounds’
Video for ‘Neverlasting’