alt. - 'Nevermore' - Review

BAND. Modern Aussie alt-core bangers come in many shapes and forms, and usually leave a lasting mark. You can find gens across the full spectre, from Thornhill and Void of Vision to Pridelands and Make Them Suffer, why not even Redhook or Hands Like Houses, alt. here operating masterfuly somewhere in the middle with a brand new conceptual EP Nevermore that is as objectively examplary as they get.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cZdBXgeZg4

REVIEW. Nevermore gets further away from alt.'s debut dysfunctional (2020), even avoids their first release for SharpTone ABEYANCE (2023), and somehow feels like a new beginning. For a lack of better words and despite their undeniable qualities and raw energy, their first two LPs got a bit aimless at parts. Nevermore inherits their captivating blend of bouncy, sexy, dreamy and direct modern metalcore, but is the most focused and purposeful we have ever seen alt. to date.

SONGS. The EP tells a story and backs the concept with a slick audio-visual output. The first promo single 'Sucker Punch' sits at the end and wraps the EP with its infectious nu metal-driven energy, but it is 'They've Always Lived In A Castle' that steals the show with an anthemic alt-metalcore vibe that is bound to raly the crowds this festival season. We also get the more delicate 'Passage', sitting comfortably between the electrifying new bangers 'Blood & Wine' and 'Replicate', all following the mood set by the easycore-ish opener 'Twenty Seven-Three'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5FmvhTtJ40

OVERALL. A truly fantastic EP listen, as enjoyable and fresh as they get. It is just the right amount of heavy and thoughtful on one side, and acessible and hook-driven on the other, enough to carry the Aussie flag with pride while also doing SharpTone Recs' more proggy and multilayered production justice. Great stuff from alt. and a symbollic new chapter of global significance.

alt. - 'Nevermore' EP

Country: Australia

Release: 15 May

Label: SharpTone Records