Though you cannot say the debut EP from UK metallers The Last Legion is a release which has a distinct voice and presence amongst the numerous metalcore/melodic hardcore bands which have emerged over the past couple of years or so, it certainly offers the promise and evidence within its quartet of impressive tracks that the band is on the right course to find that uniqueness. The Conspire EP is an accomplished and satisfying release from a band that employ existing sounds and ideas in their own inventive way and though the release maybe does not ignite raging fires within for its enterprise and offerings it certainly intrigues and marks the band as one to keep a steady eye and ear upon.
From South London the quintet blend strong technical metal intent with an aggressive metalcore passion whilst inventive progressive and melodic flames add extra heat to the powerful union. Since forming in2010 the band has made steady and potent strides forward with last year their most intensive to date and seeing the band sharing stages alongside the likes of Silent Screams, Against The Flood, Carcer City, The Charm The Fury, Demoraliser and Liferuiner, whilst this year already looks just as active and potent live but with their first release to ignite things further. The Adam Getgood (Periphery) released EP is a vigorous first step to a wider awareness and the initial move towards what it suggests will be a successful future.
First track Guardian emerges from a sonic bristling of guitar and atmosphere to entwine the ear in intimidating rhythm, with the bass of Alex Bramwell immediately grabbing its own corner of focus through a controlled but openly hungry presence, and skilled inventive guitar lures from Ali Marshall and Chris Tierney. The song takes no time in stealing the march on the senses accosting them with melodic and intense energy before they can breathe whilst the diversity of the vocals is a pleasing adventure to come to terms with. Lead vocalist on the EP is Steve Kerr ably supported by Marshall and Bramwell, and between them from impressive clean coaxing of the ear to the squeezing squalls and ravenous belligerent growls the united effect works a treat. Admittedly the clean vocals excel over the other approaches with ease but each attack finds its place in the song and scheme of things given time.
The following BeakBreakers teases and punishes the senses straight from its first gulp of energy, the guitars coaxing with sonic elegance and simultaneously splintering bone with djent malevolence and the thumping impressive drums of Jake Ardley. The musicianship within the band is skilled and keenly sculpted for the strongest effect, this song arguably the band at its strongest and most creative. Mid-way in to the track the progressive heart of the band has its moment to escape the destructive malice and mesmerises the listener with delicious melodies and again superior clean vocals. The track soon reverts to its inciting poison and climaxes with aural spite and thrilling violence with the only niggle coming from the song fading out, just a personal bug-bear though.
Both Standing Like Steel and Angels And Demands continue the great sounds and songwriting, the first wrenching on thoughts and emotions with provocative anger and seducing melodic beckoning whilst the final song on the release chews and gnaws on the ear with enterprise though it is the least successful song on the EP.
As mentioned The Last Legion does not stand apart from the rest quite yet but the Conspire EP is full of an invention and craft which will surely evolve and brew that individual stance within the genre in the future. The release is more than worthy of taking up your time and offers up a rich satisfaction and occasionally an incendiary passion to feast upon.
A name your own price release join the first steps of one very promising emerging band @ http://thelastlegion.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TheLastLegion
7/10
RingMaster 19/03/2013
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