United Kingdom-based bruisers Veiled opted to release ‘Relinquished’ as the first single to give a taste of what was to come in the form of EP The Black Rite (Seek & Strike).
It could have been because of the track’s propensity to come out swinging for the fences. It could also have been because of the inclusion of clean vocals which keep the train rolling rather than derailing everything.
Or it could have been because, as the presser notes, ‘Relinquished’ is “the story of one man’s descent into madness, being possessed by a renegade demon that he is
trying to commune with.”
Regardless, the five tracks make the most of shorter runtimes, and though cinematics are peppered throughout, the elements are incorporated frugally and thoughtfully.
For example, opener ‘The Discovering I’ kicks into gear with a sequence that features piano-into-cinematics-into-screams with blistering instrumentals. That same piano completes the track in a satisfying full circle, but it’s the meat and bones which give this song its identity. Merciless yet meticulous, the track packs a plethora of elements and techniques in its short existence.
The same could be said about ‘Recusant,’ with vocals that sound heavily influenced by Heaven Shall Burn. Crunchy guitars and an at times metalcore feel elevates the sub-3:30 length.
There are piercing screams on ‘Confession’ and a brilliant mixing of deathcore and returning cinematics on closer ‘The Becoming II’.
In an age where EPs are seemingly becoming more of a statement than a plan B, Veiled take this notion to heart in delivering a destructive yet endearing slab of brutality. The pieces to the puzzle are less a product of throwing shit against the wall to see what sticks and more a product of a game plan that was carefully outlined and brilliantly executed.
Buy the EP here:
8 / 10
MATT COOK