Back again with my old friends at Holy Roar Records, and this time it is the début from Cologne’s Giver. Here we have a band of real talent willing to go beyond the usual restraints of the genre; Where The Cycle Breaks is not just another Hardcore album.

Throughout, there are the always the pounding drums, gang vocals and other tropes often associated with Hardcore, but what Giver manage to do is to change the pace on a regular basis, meaning songs have more ebb and flow. Take the outstanding ‘Dancing With The Devils’, where the musicianship is at the peak of its powers. In four or so minutes, the track goes through a number of changes – there is a constant build to the music throughout – then, layered upon that, are the familiar gang vocals that serve to create a truly epic sound.

Opening track ‘Shock Of The Fall’ gets proceedings off to a great start and straight away Giver seek to spread their creative wings musically, whilst still managing to not completely abandon their Hardcore roots, much like the revered Counterparts. Even on moodier numbers like ‘Pills’ and the sublime ‘No World To Come’, the juxtaposition of the harsh vocals and the slow building musical arrangement makes for a compelling listen and means that there is an almost tangible weight to the message that lies within. Fans of label mates Employed To Serve will find much to enjoy on tracks such as these. Along with the brilliant musical performances, the vocals are also of high quality constantly feeling like a call to arms, every song is as intense and passionate as the last. This intensity never dissipates and is maintained throughout.

Giver has made a début album that doesn’t rewrite any rule books but shows a real progression from their two previous EP’s. The band is clearly carving out a path all of their own and have continued to hone their craft. Where The Cycle Breaks is full to the brim with moods, tones and shifts in pace that will appeal to all.

8.0/10

KIERAN MITCHELL