By Jolee Flatman
Coming from the metal scene, Heart Of A Coward are soon to be releasing their new album, being their fourth to date. For fans of Architects, Invisions and Erra. Formed in Milton Keynes in 2009, HOAC are known for producing gut wrenching riffs, and fierce vocals. ‘The Disconnect’ is no exception to this. Not too long ago, frontman Jamie Graham announced his departure, leaving the band’s future unknown. The new arrival of Kaan Tasan, formerly of No Consequence, has not been taken so well by some fans. Taking the place of Jamie was always going to be difficult. It is not to say that Tasan has ‘replaced’ Jamie, but rather he has guided HOAC’s music into a new direction – a positive one. This is not the end to Heart Of A Coward. This is HOAC reborn; welcome to hell.
Fans of the band have already been treated to two songs from the album, ‘Collapse’ being the single, and ‘Drown In Ruin’, both of which are exceptional songs, providing a taster for the chaos that is yet to come. ‘Drown In Ruin’ opens the album with melodic, catchy riffs, setting the tone for the further ten songs. The structure of the song consists of relentless rhythm and gnarly vocals from Tasan. Throughout the album there is no doubt that Tasan is not a talented man, he fits in perfectly and can provide a vast, impressive vocal range.
‘Return to Dust’ is the anomaly from the album. A song which is not typical or expected from the band, fans will either love or hate it. It begins with a mellow, slow paced guitar, with atmospheric music building up in the background. As a whole, before the vocals kick in, it could even be mistaken as being the interlude for the album. Although it is not conventional for the classic, bruising sound of the band, it is nevertheless exceptionally executed and produced.
Further towards the middle-end of the album, ‘Suffocate’ lashes out aggressive riffs. The overall vibe of the song is very Architects-esque, so if you like them, be sure to give this song a listen at least. The album as a whole, in particular this song, has high lyrical merit. It adds complexity, and extra depth to the album. It is good to see that the band has not lost this since the departure of former frontman Jamie. Tasan has been heavily involved in the writing process, which could explain some of the new elements included.
My top pick from the album by far is ‘Ritual’. From the moment it starts, it packs a punch, with an energetic force that drills adrenaline into the listener. Tasan spits gnarly vocals, with the chorus including some cleans. This combination creates a real edge for the track, and one that would be truly mental to see live.
There is no doubt that HOAC will exceed fans expectations with the new line-up’s debut album. ‘The Disconnect’ is not to be overlooked.
- ‘The Disconnect’ is released on 7 June. You can get your copy HERE.
Heart Of A Coward play the following dates in June:
- Tuesday 4 – Manchester, Rebellion
- Wednesday 5 – Glasgow, Classic Grand
- Thursday 6 – Norwich, Waterfront
- Friday 7 – Camden, Underworld
- Saturday 8 – Brighton, The Haunt
- Sunday 16 – Download Festival
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