Providence, Rhode Island Metal band ABSENCE OF DESPAIR is independently dropping their newest album titled "Desolate" nearly five years after their EP titled "Monster: Reborn" hit Digital Platforms. First formed in 2008 and shortly after releasing their debut album "In Dark Times" ABSENCE OF DESPAIR has been causing havoc in the Northeast with their unique sound and music style incorporating several genres to form their own blend of Metalcore, 80's Metal, and a little bit of Modern Rock .

The track I want to start with is titled "Bite My Tongue", and it opens up with some dissonant guitar notes accompanied by some hard hitting drums that'll get you ready for the mix of different vocal styles throughout. The sudden speed changes keep from making the song sound unpredictable, which is always good. The song "Wild" however sounds exactly how it's titled. It sounds like a song you would show your friends to get them pumped up at a party. Other than some astonishing vocal moments from Joe Reynolds, nothing really stands out in this song. "Lost and Hopeless" has a big KILLSWITCH ENGAGE vibe throughout along with a catchy chorus but still hard hitting. This track was very well done in my opinion. Another track that caught my attention was "Die Primitive". It just explodes open with some low vocals and keeps it pretty heavy throughout the entire thing. The excellent timing between the instrument's, and the high energy infused lyrics keep this track in your head and can't help to feel the urge and move along to it.

"I Am Catastrophe" is just everything you want to hear when you you're into different genres of metal. It has some 90's Rock/Metal influence in it but still keeps that Modern Metal sound mixed with it as well. It's really interesting. The next song is featuring Frankie Palmeri of Northeast Metalcore band EMMURE. The song kicks open with some heavy guitar pauses and palm mutes that'll make you want to jump in to the pit. The vocal patterns are delivered flawlessly and the song just gets more brutal through the entire thing. I would say it's probably my favorite song on this album.

In the end, the more I listened to "Desolate" the more I liked it. It's definitely a unique record but I am stoked to see a band actually accomplish this type of sound that I have seen a lot of bands fail to do. They have a lot of talent as a whole, and overall a decent album. I'll definitely be listening to them more.