On November 19, 2015 OnTheAttack Records announced the signing of metalcore band Surpasses, and the release of their 8 song self-titled EP. Surpasses is Based out of Redding, California. They state that; ‘standing firm in their belief in God’s saving grace, Surpasses exists to banish the chains of religion, and uphold the mantle of love, joy, and peace. The band’s debut album demonstrates their practice of loving God’s people as our brothers and sisters with no strings attached, over music filled with fury and aggression.’
I got this album a while ago, to write a review about it, even though this album was already released in 2015. So I admit that it is a bit late, but better late than never…
The first track ‘Remember’ immediately blasts out of your speaker and in the first minute I realize that I am dealing with a band that is no ordinary metalcore. It has a lot more hardcore influences than in your average metalcore-band. The melodies that flow constantly through the songs and the passion reminds me a lot of Life In Your Way and you can consider that as a compliment.
The second song ‘Stay The Course’ is more heavy than ‘Remember’ the vocals consist of more deep growls interspersed with more high pitched hardcore screams and , more or less, clean vocals.
The lyrics make it perfectly clear that this is a band that consists of devout followers of Christ.
The third track ‘Define’ is some sort of interlude that is spheric with spoken word. It flows fluently into the next song ‘Chasing Wonder’ that also begins in that spherical flow but it quickly becomes a song like the ones mentioned before.
The album rages forth with ‘Joy’ where they scream: “I am not the messenger
I am not the messenger I am the message of JOY!!” Well that makes it perfectly clear what their message is about. This song has a Sleeping Giant feel to it if you ask me.
‘The City’ is, again, a more heavy track with some up-tempo parts and with breakdowns that make the earth tremble if played loud enough.
The seventh track ‘I Am The Brave’ shows that the lyrics are also about life and the struggles we are all facing and having people around us that can encourage us. Great message!
Then we already have reached the last track ‘All Of Us’. I have come to a point that everything is said about the songs. This is a song that has all the aforementioned elements and a short part of spoken word. And when the song fades out I realize that Surpasses really surpassed my expectations.
I thought that it would be a thirteen in a dozen band but they have found ways to keep it fresh although everything has been done before. As I have said before and will probably say again; originality is overrated, if music touches you then it is done right!
Rating: 7.5/10
Written by: René Woning
Track listing:
1. Remember
2. Stay The Course
3. Define
4. Chasing WonderR
5. Joy
6. The City
7. I Am The Brave
8. All Of Us
Band members:
Dustin Cichosz (Vox)
Elliott Gregory (Guitar)
Nathan Cichosz (Guitar)
Elijah Kay (Bass)
Brice Logan (Drums)
Discography:
“Surpasses” (2015)
Record label: OnTheAttack Records, November 2015
Weblinks: Facebook / Bandcamp / Twitter
Buy the album here:
Holland: First Paradox
Norway: Nordic Mission
Video for ‘Remember’
Video for ‘All Of Us’