Straight out of the gates, MORE POWER. MORE PAIN. calls back to the metalcore stylings of 2011’s Costs without tarnishing the melodic hardcore/punk sound Gideon has worked so hard to build. Trying to recover after Covid-19 hit mid tour supporting 2019’s release, Out of Control, they are back and badder than ever. These cowboys are redefining who they are while staying true to their metalcore/hardcore roots. Gideon are certainly the band to keep an eye on.
First track, “Locked Out of Heaven”, is out to prove just that. With leading riffs being full of hardcore rage and a chorus full of ambient clean singing, it blends their different styles perfectly in just the first song. “Push It Back” comes in right after with ferocious intent. Not only is opening an album with tracks as brutal as these not enough but also three singles, “Too Much is Never Enough”, the title track and lastly “Take Off” follow these openers respectively, all showing the listener just a taste of what they’re in for with this new record.
“If You Love Me, Let Me Go”comes in at track 8 and has a more nostalgic Counterparts style sound to it. Without a doubt this track is going to be a song fans gravitate to. Especially if they’re into that early Melodic Hardcore style. Melodic riffs and pounding drums follow with tracks “Off the Rails” and “The Final Nail”. With a sound similar to 2017’s Cold, Gideon are keen on reminding you why they are the metal legends they’ve come to be today.
“ In order to gain more control over our lives, we have to be willing to bite the bullet and go through whatever it takes to get there.”
“I Will Carry You” is number 12 on this massive record. Also a similar sound to track 8, it’ll appeal to the bands more melodic fans and fans of stuff like Being As An Ocean and Counterparts. Songs like these are the perfect fit on an album full of rage. Giving a little burst of calm almost to an ever changing and slamming record such as this one. Without taking away from the heavy factor that is.
“Back 2 Basics” comes in and its doing just that. Chiefly calling back to albums like Milestone and Cold, this track is perfect for veteran Gideon fans and new ones alike. With grooving drums, nasty riffs, and a dirty bass tone, this track is a perfect fit for the final track on the record also proving why this album is a must have on your queue when it drops.
Finishing off the record at track 14 is, weirdly enough, an almost Limp Bizkit-esque interlude to give the listener a minute to comprehend what ungodly perfection they just witnessed with their ears. All in all this album is sure to be a fan favourite. Also sure to make new fans out of anyone who isn’t one yet.