It's been over three years since Above this Fire released their debut full-length, In Perspective. Since that recording the band has grown immensely as songwriters, something that is evident when you listen to the two albums back to back. The band's growth and evolution since their initial recordings is something that helps put in perspective - pardon the pun - just how far this five-piece hardcore outfit has come.
The first track, "To the Wolves," sets the pace for the entire album. The song is a bruising affair of modern metalcore, much like that of Shai Hulud and Misery Signals. The pounding rhythm section courtesy of bassist Oliver Barrett and drummer Dave Anderson drive the song. Meanwhile, the guitar duo of LT Magnotto and Aaron Salo provide not only crisp and heavy riffs, but also interweaving melodies and the occasional rock-inspired moment. Vocalist Andy Hoffman continues his shouted-yell style heard on the band's previous effort, sporadically throwing in coarser yells and screams.
Above this Fire works through song after song of modern hardcore that demonstrates influence from quite a diverse grouping of artists. "Overdose" boasts a Quicksand-esque guitar riff meanwhile the title-track "Last Ones" is anchored by galloping metal riffs akin to Prayer for Cleansing. The drumming of Anderson is especially unique as it's definitely metal-based, often containing blast-beats, odd time signatures, and other complexities. But when applied to the band's sound, it fits like a glove; "Everything at Once" has some killer fills that exhibit the talent behind the kit.
Where I feel Above this Fire is truly showing significant growth is two-fold. First off, the band's has, for the most part, abandoned the obvious breakdowns that simplified their sound on In Perspective. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy breakdowns, but the band's restraint showcases their maturity as songwriters. Further growth can be found in their incorporation of fluid and driving post-rock/metal moments. "Polygraph" opens with slow-churning metal riffs, a sound that is later heard at the beginning of "Life in the Quicksand." The best example of this style can be heard in the second half of "Invisible Ink." I could easily listen to an entire album of material written in this style, which I hope the band continues to experiment with on future recordings.
Lyrically, Hoffman consumes himself with self-reflective subject matter; most often examining choices made and moments passed on how they have affected his life, and oftentimes how he can no longer allow them to affect him. A good example can be found in these lyrics from "Polygraph:"
And it was only a matter or time / I was burning a candle at both ends / Trying to get it right / Trying to find an answer / Knowing what I know / Killing myself to live.
Last Ones exhibits significant growth and development for Above this Fire as a band. The band has continued to push themselves in their songwriting and lyrics, allowing the band to further distance themselves from the hordes of other hardcore band that exist today. Above this Fire continue to excel and with this album in tow can reach out as far as the horizon extends.
