THE LAST TEN SECONDS OF LIFE's first release since the band's nearly mass exodus of members in early 2022, "Disquisition of an Execution" EP is set to release on November 25. Noted as deathcore-meets-nu metal, this Pennsylvania based band has been known for mixing fast drum kicks and belted growls with heavily amplified beats, so let's explore this "nu" EP with new members to see what's changed (if anything).We got our first taste of this EP in October with single "Annihilation Phenomenon". Immediately this song is introduced with those super fast blast beats, squealing guitar riffs and guttural growls characteristic of the death metal genre. A long fade leads into the second track on the EP, "Dreams of Extermination" which starts off with a choral intro similar to that we hear from bands like SHADOW OF INTENT or LORNA SHORE. This track follows a similar pattern of true deathcore instrumental production that mixes delicate symphonic singing over the low growling vocals to create an ambient but pulsing atmosphere.

The last two tracks we get with this EP "Liberation" and "Retribution" are set up almost the same as the first half of the album. We have the traditional deathcore sound that's energized and screamy, that snaps into another growl-meets-melodic tempo. About halfway through "Retribution" we get a focused guitar solo moment where I really hoped we would get a touch of that nu metal taste mixed in, but it goes right back to the growls. Which is totally fine and great, we love a beastly growl around here- I really hoped that even with new members we would keep the blending of metal genres instead of having another full on deathcore band. Their previous sound made the band feel more unique and memorable, where now I'm not so sure I'd be able to pin exactly who it is in a mix of other deathcore bands.

All in all- it's a good EP. Maybe this was a chance for the band to test their sound now and see how fans react to cutting the nu metal moments, or if like me they get feedback of wanting it to be mixed up again. In a sea of blast beats and riffed up guitars, it was nice to have a band that gave you unexpected moments of other genres.