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Tthe first half of 2024 has been a joy to follow im general, but when it comes to releases from Australia in particular, there have been some truly breathtaking drops, most of them certain to dominate the annual charts in December. Probably uninteded but still a brilliant coincidence, Windwaker's new LP HYPERVIOLENCE dropped at the same time with In Hearts Wake's latest masterpiece Incarnation and although there is no need to read further into this, considering both bands have a fairly contrasting approach to songwriting and delivery, not to mention experience, but their shared assault on the new release calendar is yet another telling sign of Australia's continuous dominance across the entire metal world.
Back at the end of March, still one of the most promising contemporary Aussie outfits Windwaker dropped the punching 4-track EP Enter The Wall as one of the highlights of the opening quarter of 2024. I expected fresh modern metal with diverse influences from the entire pop music world which we got in generous amounts, but what I did not anticipate was the band returning once again this year, now with a full studio-album HYPERVIOLENCE that has expanded on the sonic ideas and lyrical themes of the EP as concisely and masterfuly as they did back in 2022 for their Love Language debut LP. Equally surprising, envigorating and colourful, Windwaker's sophomore release is the ultimate statement that the boys are not just here to stay but have a role to play in the future of the local scene.
Windwaker's disregard for established traditions and cross-genre experimentation in HYPERVIOLENCE is the perfectly logical continuation of their stellar debut and one of 2022's finest releases Love Language. To their familiar 2024 EP and the two killer singles dropped since, the Melbourne-based quintet now add seven new bangers for a total of thirteen exemplary modern metal anthems. Expect more of what got us obsessed with them in the first place, be in the absurdly slick hyperpop influences or the uncompromisingly heavy metalcore parts, the balanced nu metal inspirations and electronic nuances as much as the hip hop swagger and general disregard of rules, boundaries, criticism opinions.
What Windwaker excell at is the sudden explosive change of pace and mood across their tracks, on full display again across HYPERVIOLENCE - first luring you in with captivating melodies, smooth electronics and beautiful vocals before rapidly descending into pure chaos and relentless assault on the senses. Even better, these transitions are executed without feeling forced or confusing, and add up for a truly entertaining experience that sees you vibing to gentle pop segments and chanting infectious hooks alongside Liam Guinane before jumping in the fiercest moshpit and disrespecting the surrounding all at once.
These sudden bursts of uncontainable youthful energy, already a trademark for Windwaker, were initially teased on the hyper-energetic leading single 'SIRENS' and are now prevalent across all new additions such as the soaring opening banger 'Infinity', the supercharged generational anthem 'Break the Rules', the bonebreaking pit-starter 'Vertigo', and the djenty rave 'Tabula Rasa'. From the familiar songs from the EP, 'The Wall' remains a standout point with its bouncy nu metal chaos, alongside 'Villain' and 'Fractured State of Mind', all seen through a fresh perspective amongst the tight and cleverly rearranged tracklist. And then just when you think there are no more cards up Windwaker's sleeves, the boys drop the outrageously filthy trap-core banger 'Venom' without a sign of hesitation or regret.
One cannot help but think about Windwaker as one of the few bands embodying that iconic nu metal spirit of the late 90s to the fullest, and I mean that as a great compliment. A true reflection of the band's current state of mind and future ambitions, HYPERVIOLENCE remains fun, unpredictable and unapologetic until the very end. Just as long and diverse as needed from a full studio modern metal album, as logical and balanced as expected from such promising act's sophomore release, and as entertaining and multifaceted as teased by the band's previous premieres, there is nothing more to demand from this LP.
With two brilliant records now behind their backs and nothing more to prove, Windwaker so far managed to keep the attention they got at the start as they move forward. However, the true test lies ahead and a third official release like Love Language and HYPERVIOLENCE might not be enough to keep the crowds engaged for long. Whether their stay within their comfort zone or push their horizons even further will play a huge role in their future, and determine if they get to become one of Australia's contemporary greats, but for now lets just enjoy the Windwaker ride to the fullest and give the boys the respect they so deserve.
Windwaker - 'HYPERVIOLENCE'
Country: Australia
Released: 12 July 2024
Label: Fearless Records
Tracklisting:
1. Infinity
2. SIRENS
3. Fractured State of Mind
4. Break The Rules
5. The Wall
6. Villain
7. Get Out
8. Haunting Me
9. Vertigo
10. Hypnotised
11. Venom
12. Tabula Rasa
13. Juliet
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