Embers of Earth is the rather ambitious solo project of metal guitarist Luke Carlisle, who, along with Gacys Threads vocalist Aaron Vance have created a second EP of his bruising Christian metalcore music entitled The Resistance. The two collaborated a few years ago when Carlisle needed a vocalist to flesh out his ideas, the culmination of which was first EP Release the River in July 2014; evidently the well has yet to run dry as here we are at EP number two. Both EP’s were produced and recorded at Vance’s bandmate Jonny Monro’s Bearcat Belfast studio.
A run through of the EP reveals a growth in the project’s sound: whereas Release the River was pretty straightforward metalcore, The Resistance shows more of a balance between metal and hardcore. Make no mistake, this is not the type of metalcore that eyeliner-ed fourteen year olds will squeal at! It’s merciless, serious and unpretty – metalcore for grown ups, if you will.
Opening track ‘World Slave’ immediately unveils a richer, less tinny sound that the first EP, with Vance’s trademark guttural growl and some tasty distorted guitar work. There are also some clean, rather floaty vocals (Carlisle?) which add interest and texture to the song.
Second song ‘Fallen Empire’ is hardcore-style short and sweet, yet rather unstructured; less a ‘stream of consciousness’ and more a ‘stream of righteous indignation’. Carlisle’s choice of subject matter – religious strength, standing together in God’s name – is controversial, but it’s subtle here.
The six minute long title track is next, beginning with a rather darkly beautiful guitar intro before seguing abruptly into some deep riffs and pulsating drums. The combination of screamed and clean vocals, as well as some softer touches throughout, lend the song an often dreamy quality – not something you read about in relation to metal-core every day.
‘Shadow On the Sea’ wraps up the EP with a whirly guitar riff and some fairly blunt and in your face lyrics about the Man Upstairs, all cloaked in a punishing rhythm and some paint-stripping roars.
The combination of metalcore and Christian lyrics is becoming more common, and while some people may roll their eyes at the subject matter, Carlisle presents his ideologies with backbone and grit: the songs have a defiant, call to arms feel, presenting Jesus as a bit of a kick ass dude. The music is also tough and striking, resulting in a thoroughly enjoyable listen no matter what your religious stance may be. (As a side note, it’s also bloody fantastic to hear Vance again. More, please!). We will be watching this particular solo project with a great deal of interest.
◀ STANDOUT ⁞ The Resistance ▶
◀ SOUNDS LIKE ⁞ The Devil Wears Prada ▶
