Since the band’s inception over 15 years ago, Counterparts have performed countless sold out shows worldwide, shared stages with giants such as Architects and released several critically acclaimed full lengths. The most recent instalment, A Eulogy For Those Still Here, packs a punch as soon as you lay eyes on the title, and brings 11 tracks full of unyielding honesty and the forthright attitude of their composer that has brought the band their success, the end result being a powerful statement from a band who have been together since the start. The collective wanted to write a record as if it would be their last, and have poured their absolute everything into every layer from beginning to end.
‘7:26:2020’ is exactly the introduction to an album you would want, and 38 seconds later throws us headlong into ‘Whispers Of Your Death’ – a powerful combination of grief and catharsis woven into every scream. Having the full lineup delivering a collaborative writing process has clearly been essential to the end result, and vocalist Brendan Murphy delivers what could arguably be the best lyrical content on a Counterparts record to date.
‘Unwavering Vow’ may only be the fourth track in the listing, but it could well be the best of the entire release. Whilst in respect of the overall sonics it doesn’t necessarily push the boundaries of metalcore, it does contain all of the top elements of the genre combined perfectly into one. The track is the epitome of the record’s narrative, laying bare Murphy’s obsession with endings and encapsulating the fury in every word. The album is alive and volatile, and still has plenty more high notes in store. ‘Sworn To Silence’ kicks in hard, with an aptly placed breakdown that is sure to get a nod of approval from all the hardcore kids, and ambient interludes give the drops even more power. ‘Soil II’ could easily be another contender for the top spot, with an introduction where Being As An Ocean would feel rivalled and a build up that keeps the listeners interest until an emotive crescendo.
‘A Mass Grave Of Saints’ is the ideal closing number, and if the band have put anything other than a great deal of thought into the order of the tracks then they are unknowing geniuses. A Eulogy For Those Still Here ticks all the right boxes; Counterparts have exorcised their demons into a beast of sonic magnitude, and if their next album is written with the same conviction – then the band are only scratching the surface of their career highlights to date.