Metalcore is a genre that - as its name states clear - has something to do with Hardcore. It’s clear that acts as G.B.H., D.R.I. and DISCHARGE had a crush on it, but far, because if one thinks of evolution of USA Hardcore School, between THE DEAD KENNEDYS and HATEBREED there is a long timespam and - as told above - evolution took its toll on the genre. Then, when thinking on Metalcore, you must have such idea clear in your mind to understand what the genre is. And with a turn for the Hardcore side of the genre is the UK quartet EPHEMERA, here with the EP “For Those Afraid to Die”.

The quartet plays a form of Melodic Hardcore (or Post-Hardcore) with many inceptions on Metalcore, what generates an aggressive and abrasive form of music, but that is filled with many different layers of emotions. All expressed by a monolithic technical work and spontaneous feeling, with many melodic hooks and ferocity. Of course it can sound ‘young’ for many, but’s a consequence of their own ages. They deliver a very good work, with an young and savage energy flowing all the time. The band worked on studio in a form that is into the models of Melodic Hardcore/Metalcore, or in other words, conceived a sonority that’s chaotic and insane, distorted and aggressive, but that is understandable and allows them to express their ideas in a way that’s clear for the hearers.

“Origin” is deeper, melodic and tender, with a silk touch preparing the hearers for the outburst of aggressiveness of “For Those Afraid to Die”, a choking and nasty song with contrasts between the savage screams of the vocals and some melodic moments on the guitars; “Heaven” is a modern song filled with different contrasts, from harsh and unmeasured aggressiveness with melodic parts (and where Jesse Leach, singer of KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, appears as guest); and “House Fire” is a weighty song filled with massive groove and thunderous work on bass guitar and drums (but pay attention to the New Metal touches).

“For Those Afraid to Die” works as a fine presentation card for EPHEMERA, and fans of modern tendencies must listen to it as soon as possible!