ONE MORNING LEFT are a Finnish metalcore band that formed way back in 2008 who came from the region of Vassa in their native country of Finland as they have really pushed the boundaries bringing their metalcore guitar tones along with retro and electronic sounds of the 80’s/90’s. They came to releasing an EP in 2008 titled PANDA <3 PENGUIN and after this in 2010, as a result of signing a contract with Spinefarm Records, that led to the release of their debut album THE BREE-TEENZ in 2011 which certainly set the bar high with a mix of metalcore, synth sound effects and emo hardcore all in one. A great album to introduce us to them, then up next in 2013 was their follow up album titled OUR SCENERATION also a phenomenal success. Their second album was put to us to continue on from where the band left off from their debut album, so onwards the band continued on despite the line up changes that had already been made and being dropped from their label Spinefarm Records. The band signed up to Imminence Records as they got to release their third studio album METALCORE SUPERSTARS in 2016 which again continues on their extraordinary adventures, the next few years would have been full of touring around their native country of Finland, Europe, Baltics, Iceland  and Japan to add to list of destinations. After a few years the band would have begun writing again once more this set themselves up for their fourth album HYPERACTIVE which was released in 2021.

It is clear that this band have gone from strength to strength, over time since their formation in 2008, their first two or three albums really put forward their mix of hardcore, metalcore and alternative rock/metal. Throughout these albums there was certainly so much to look forward to, now with their fifth album out since October 2024 titled NEON INFERNO, safe to say this is another chapter to add to their story. So let’s dive into the new album as we start with “Emerald Dragon” as we hear arpeggiated notes being played by synth or keyboards as they carry on, there is a gradual crescendo in work here as guitars, drums and vocals are warming up. Then a superb belter of a high vocal scream, rich and long too, so impressive as well as this singer has a great set of lungs for sure, as drums and guitars add in more to make this track complete. Simple drum patterns, vocals are off to a great start as they are altered in the mix and guitars ignite those chorus parts with conviction as the drums become heavier for the metalcore tone. But with the pop atmosphere as well it really does follow up well from their previous album, towards the end, there are some astounding guitar solo playing, harcore drums and vocals going high or low. “Tonight” as we hear more 80’s feel for the theme and drums playing with some belter kick hits to add some punch to the mix as well as guitar riffs.

A straight-forward verse has vocals coming in and guitars are quiet enough but will unleash those hardcore riffs when they can as vocals reach for those high notes. The track is catchy too with some really groovy patterns also, then the transition to the screamer vocal signals all other instruments to dig deep for short periods of monstrous metalcore mayahem so vicious but straight to the point. Then there is a dialogue between the synth sound effects and the rest of the band vocals specifically stand out, but the synth or keyboard sounds go on to fly solo with a kick adding to the crescendo of vocals being in there. Some additional vocal harmonies in the last verse give some real cutting edge tone to the track as we come to the next track which is “Ride Till I Die” which has some more synth sounds as well as cymbal hits and fills in between. Then a blistering and thundering metalcore opening from drums accompanied by guitars and then vocals follow along shortly after as guitars remain heavy and thick as the opening minute is full of density as well as intensity from all members of the band. Vocal harmonies are heard in the chorus as they sing so high in pitch and the verse remains as strong including some blast beats from drums as they propel themselves to stand out in the mix.

“Neon Inferno (Paradise)” is up next as we hear explosive drums and guitars opening the track as we then can listen to some simple guitar riffs as well as drum patterns for the verse, then bone crunching drums come caving for the chorus where vocals are doubled up to become more effective in the mix. The next verse is less chaotic as vocals take the spotlight for a change and are clearly processed in some way before the charge of drums, guitars and vocals go for another sensational chorus full of depth and determination. As we come to a totally different section where the bass and drums go ballistic, as vocals become deadly & devastating too, all leading back to the short crescendo. A final stand is made by all members of the band building then tension over and over to a guitar ring plus synth marking the start of the next track. “Maverick” opens with a short beeping noise then all hell breaks loose with drums, guitars and a narrator's voice speaks in such an evil and sadistic manner, drums quicken before lead vocals come into the mix. There is definitely a different flow and rhythm to this track, hints of the 80’s influences are there but hidden somehow, but this allows the vocals especially to show a different side to them. This track really hits the nail on the head, it drives through with bulldozing bass tone, vengeful vocals and deadly drumming, so onto the next track which is “Reunion”.

This next track has such a retro and arpeggiated keyboard sounds of that pop rock theme as we hear a short build up by drums also before guitars, bass and vocals all come in one after another. Even the sound of the drums, with such a nice warm snare sound together with keyboards, the rest of the band allows the keyboard sound to become more prominent as this sound has been the key theme throughout this album. Vocals also stand out as they are not as loud for this track, it’s a great arrangement and different to the other tracks, so we can go onto the next track which is “3, 2, 1 Go!”. Another real banging intro of cymbal hits, screeching vocals and kick ass drumming propels this track into such clever songwriting as well as another great catchy song with lyrics giving a glam rock feel. This track has a lot of fun and a real adventure to it, so we can go on from the positives of this track to the next track which is “Summer Loving”, going from a hardcore hitting end of the previous track to more fun as well as a disco feel to this next track. The title really sums up this track, drums are very much a pop rock pattern, allowing bass guitar to blossom as well as vocals forming a dialogue of two different vocal parts, so this makes this track all that much better. Even a very cool brass sound coming in later on in the track goes down well with the real disco fun theme, so onwards to the next track which is “Michael, The Knight”.

A blast of cymbal hits, keyboards and vocals lights up this track as the drums become more steady and sets itself as the foundation of this track, even the screamer vocals also is such a surprise even when there is so much of a fun side to this band, it still works so well. The drums and guitars are pumping themselves here to support the metalcore vocals, it’s so well thought out and back to the more fun filled theme, the snare hits really keep the flow of a real dancy groove so it’s a great shout for songwriting skills. Onwards to the next track which is “Tokyo Love” as we hear guitar slides, animated voices and keyboard sounds, as we hear drums and vocals throwing their hearts into the track committing 100%. The real hardcore and anthem lyrics go hand in hand, so another great highlight of songwriting and arrangement for sure. The hard hitting drums and bass guitar makes the metalcore parts stand out before those screamer vocals get down and roars like a lion with attitude and astounding tone, so of course there isn’t much more to this track, a nice bit of laughter to the end. This leads into the next track, game sounds before we hear a sensational cover of “Beat It” as pulsating drums and metalcore guitars give this track all the ammunition it needs to shoot to the stars as this is one hell of a cover of the song that everyone knows from its original songwriter, the legendary MICHAEL JACKSON.

The additional vocal backing and harmonies is such an original piece of magic to give this track the edge pushing it to more greatness, the vocal solo short and sweet before hardcore drums takes over. The guitars have so much of a solo contribution and well there is not much more to say then what I have already said, a superb cover leading into what comes next, the inclusion of two remixes of two songs, the first from their previous album, leading track RUBY DRAGON from the HYPERACTIVE album. The second remix and to close out this new album is a remix of SUMMER LOVING, which is track eight of the NEON INFERNO album, so they both give a great finish to the new album.