Set Before Us are a melodic Metalcore band from Sweden, founded in January 2013. According to their own statement; ‘ their lyrics aim to inspire and motivate each individual to take control of their fate, destiny and life. The lyrics will tackle various dilemmas and give the audience a spark of deep thought.’ They recorded their first official single ”Wildfire” during the winter of 2013. The single was released in the spring of 2014. A few months later Set Before Us began recording their debut EP ”Voyagers”, which was released in November 2014. Now they are back with their sophomore EP “Enigmas” which was released on November 22, 2016.
The first track of the album, ‘Clay Heart’, begins with an intro that get’s you excited to hear more and makes you curious for all that is about to come. And when the first riff begins you know that it was worth the wait. Boy, do they deliver…. Yes it is metalcore as we all have heard before but with an intensity that is fresh to say the least. High level breakdowns but not overdone. And a screamer that has a heavy scream but also with a dash of sensitivity in it.
For the second track ‘Earth Destroyer’ they shot a video which can be seen and heard at the end of this review. Again a heavy track with up-tempo parts which are very rhythmic and the obligated clean vocals which are done quite beautiful in combination with screams. I personally love it when it is done together.
The thirth track ‘Peripheral Vision’ rages forth with a never-ending energy. And the sound of the bass at approximately the half of the song is just gut wrenching heavy. And the guitarsolo at the end of the song shows true craftsmanship.
‘Eye To Eye’ is with 5:21 minutes the longest track of this EP but it is versatile enough to keep things interesting. The screams remind me a bit of Tim Lambesis at the beginning days of As I Lay Dying and yes that is a positive thing. And a compliment to the drummer for smashing the drumkit to smithereens, what an intensity…. This song is the highlight of the album for me, is contains heaviness but with so many melodic elements that it gives me goosebumps.
Then we have reached the last track already. ‘Dusk/Dawn’ begins with piano and then the drums kick in just before my headphones explode because of an intensity in a song that is lacking in so many metalcore these days.
A much heard complaint is that (melodic) metalcore is so generic… Well, Set Before Us proves them wrong. There is still originality to be found if you know where to look. Well done guys!
P.s. Originality is overrated if you ask me…
Rating: 8/10
Written by: René Woning
Tracklist:
01. Clay Heart
02. Earth Destroyer
03. Peripheral Vision
04. Eye to Eye
05. Dusk/Dawn
Band members:
Niklas Edström,
Erik Tropp,
Hampus Andersson,
Jesper Nilsson,
Emanuel Borgefors.
Discography:
“Voyagers” EP (2014)
“Enigmas” EP (2016)
Record label: Unsigned, November 2016
Weblinks: Facebook / BigCartel / Twitter / Spotify / Bandcamp
Buy the album here:
Holland: First Paradox
Norway: Nordic Mission
Video for ‘Earth Destroyer’