LIFETIGHT are a band bringing genuine, authentic metalcore in the classic sense of the word. It may be what some now refer to as metallic hardcore to separate it from the utter drivel that has recently come out of the metalcore scene in recent years. The wonderfully named Self-Tightled is their debut EP.
On the four tracks on this is EP are all high energy, dynamic tracks. They call to mind While She Sleeps and Counting Days, massive riffs and impassioned vocals. LIFETIGHT bring a straighter hardcore vibe to some of the tracks, often breaking down to the standard hardcore trope of rumbling bass and galloping drums, before slamming back in with another brilliant Riff. This brings brilliant sense of pace throughout these tracks. This gives the EP a solid back bone which everything else can be built off the back of.
Sadly, it’s the comparisons to WSS and Counting Days that really hurt this EP. Self-Tightled lives in the shadow of these bands. It is harsh to say that the EP suffers in comparison to WSS, who are now three albums in, each with increasing experimentation. Just because it’s harsh doesn’t mean it’s not true. With only four tracks, LIFETIGHT haven’t given themselves enough room to experiment with their sound, meaning that they sound inferior to more developed, similar bands. However, the sheer quality of this debut EP shows just how much potential LIFETIGHT truly have.
Self-Tightled is not perfect by any means, but it’s a great debut. If LIFETIGHT follow this EP up with releases of increasing quality with further experimentation in which they find their own personality, there is no reason why this band shouldn’t be as critically or commercially loved as WSS. This band is an exciting prospect for the future, and I really look forward to seeing what they do next.
If you want to hear more from LIFETIGHT Jim Saunders has interviewed the band here.
Self-Tightled is out now, it can be purchased here.
LIFETIGHT can be found here:
