With Fever 333 leading the charge with their brand of metal that happily disturbs the peace they have since brought the likes of Nova Twins and Oxymorrons along for the ride both of whom are making similar waves. Now, the crew’s first signing Guerrilla Warfare are set to drop their EP C O N T R O L on the 22nd April. The Louisville, Kentucky rap metal/hardcore outfit pull no punches in their relentless offering on their five track EP with heavy thought-provoking music.
C O N T R O L is riddled with raw angst and a brilliant blend of rap metal and hardcore. The delivery of this mix is done with efficiency and focus. The band bounce off each other musically and vocally. Even on record a sense of comradery and effortless unison can be felt. There’s a fantastic sense of flow vocally in opener ‘Flesh n’ Bone (SmaLL TaLk)’ which sets the tone and continues throughout the EP. There is a grit and snarl presented in the same way Stray From The Path manage to hone and direct their anger. Following this “SmaLL hiLLz” is a mosh worthy anthem with a stomping riff and variation on rapping style that combines elements of hardcore and rap metal perfectly.
The record’s title track has swagger and groove, showing some variance in its verse structure lightening up on distorted riffs and leaning on the hard-hitting drums to manage most of the rhythm section. The effortless exchange of rapping and screaming vocals as the song weaves through various sections that chop and change abruptly actually make for the continuation, rhythm and glue that makes the song more than a collection of hardcore riffs. It’s clever and bold and breathes an air of confidence.
It is clear musically that Guerrilla Warfare have poured themselves into the songs on the EP. Drummer and vocalist Garrett Hood says “C O N T R O L is meant as a two-part concept piece about exploring dualism within society and the human psyche. Truly though, these EPs have served me as a personal diary for learning more about myself and the world around me for the last several years.”
‘MuLLigaN’, which was the first single from the EP was created to capture the feeling of falling behind in life, while trying to chase your dreams and aspirations in music. With guitar slides and a relentless nature the song hits like a steam train harnessing more of that abrasive energy felt throughout the previous three tracks.
Closer ‘How to Breathe in Space’ hits with a surprisingly mellow opening that comes a little out of left field following four relentless tracks but its welcomed respite… until the 2 minute mark at least where chugging riffs are reintroduced and the velocity and tempo ramp back up to the songs epic climax. Whilst it’s pace remains generally slower and less thrashy it by no means lacks and really embraces the bands hardcore elements.
There is a lot going on in C O N T R O L which is a high octane listen start to finish. With hooks and tenacity aplenty Guerrilla Warfare clearly demonstrate that they are able to take their talent and a tonne of ideas and weave them together to create coherent songs with memorable moments. There is a youthful exuberance and pure focussed rage that is believable, raw and relatable. As a band that haven’t yet put out a full-length record it’d be interesting to see how they diversify the music to make for a cohesive longer album and how that translates from the pockets of brilliance seen here.