Every Hell, the new project from former Black Peaks members, delivers a compelling blend of progressive metal, post-hardcore, and mathcore on their EP, The Peoples Republic of Hell. While it's a familiar sound, the band refreshes it with a punkier edge and a willingness to experiment with time signatures and dissonant guitar work. What makes this particularly fascinating is the way Every Hell seamlessly weaves together disparate influences, from Mastodon to Radiohead, into a cohesive and engaging sound. Personally, I think the EP is a testament to the band's talent and a compelling proof of concept, even if it's only 17 minutes long. The EP's strength lies in its ability to capture the core Black Peaks feel while adding a unique twist. Will Gardner's vocals, ranging from mournful falsetto to banshee wails, are a standout feature, and the addition of saxophone adds a layer of texture and complexity. One thing that immediately stands out is the band's willingness to play with time signatures, often resolving tracks with neat 4/4 headbanging outros. This raises a deeper question: how can a band so influenced by progressive metal and post-hardcore maintain a sense of cohesion and identity? In my opinion, Every Hell's success lies in its ability to blend these influences seamlessly, creating a sound that is both familiar and fresh. The EP is a short but compelling showcase of the band's talents, and I can't help but wonder what a full-length album would sound like. If you take a step back and think about it, the EP's title, The Peoples Republic of Hell, suggests a broader narrative or concept that could be explored in future releases. What many people don't realize is that Every Hell is not just a continuation of Black Peaks, but a new project with its own unique identity and sound. The band's members, including Will Gardner, Julio Maas-Palmer, Toby Stewart, Andrew Gosden, and Mark Roberts, have created something special, and I'd like to hear more from them. The EP's finale, "Ironclad," feels like the most complete track and the most Black Peaks in style, with Gardner's mellifluous vocals and accented bellows reminiscent of "The Midnight Sun." This suggests that the band is willing to go further and explore different sounds and concepts in future releases. In conclusion, Every Hell's The Peoples Republic of Hell is a compelling and engaging EP that showcases the band's talent and willingness to experiment. While it may be short, it's a powerful proof of concept that leaves me eager to hear more from the band. From my perspective, Every Hell is a promising new project that deserves more attention and exploration.
