When it comes to progressive metalcore, ERRA have emerged as a top-tier act in recent years. Their 2021 self-titled effort was especially praised for towering melodies and technical execution. It meant that 2024’s ‘Cure’ was a hard act to follow, leading to a mixed response from fans, partly due to a shift towards a more groove-leaning sound. Nevertheless, the Birmingham, Alabama group have the chance to get things back on track with album number seven.
‘silence outlives the earth’s eleven tracks aim to take the listeners on a journey that explores being in a state of limbo. Led by the pairing of clean vocalist Jesse Cash and J.T. Cavey’s solid screams, ERRA‘s sound is bold yet instantly recognisable. From the outset, tracks such as ‘stelliform’ and ‘further eden’ feel all too familiar. Undoubtedly, Cash can deliver floating hooks, setting up the liminal narrative. They’re backed by a muscular unit who provide an expected heftiness.
Under the bonnet, each member is allowed to shine. On ‘gore of being,’ Clint Tustin’s riveting guitar is accompanied by Ballew’s thick, domineering drum work. ‘black cloud’ is anchored by Cash’s emotional pull. The hook of “where are you now, are you hiding out at the end,” proves to be anthemic and memorable. Again, Alex Ballew’s drum fills and Conor Hesse’s thumping bass groove highlight ERRA‘s technical prowess. It is that proficiency that shines in moments such as ‘echo sonata’ with its tapping riffs. Meanwhile, ‘spiral of liminal infinity’ contains a dynamic and layered middle rhythm section.
The concluding triptych of ‘i. the many names of god,’ ‘ ii in the gut of the wolf,’ and ‘iii twilight in the reflection of dreams’ ramp up the intensity, allowing ERRA to showcase their musical scope. ‘the many names of god’ is dominated by Cavey’s growls, razor-sharp guitars, and a rumbling rhythm. As it segues into ‘in the gut of the wolf,’ their frenzied tone becomes sturdier, partly due to stabbing guitars and Ballew’s punching drums. The ferociousness is reined in on ‘twilight in the reflection of dreams’. Leaning into their atmospheric tone, it allows Cash to provide a resolute conclusion. It suggests a feeling of healing (“a safe enclosure”).
At first, ‘silence outlives the earth’ lacks a lasting impression. However, its narrative of liminality, mortality, and self-erosion reveals itself over time. It allows ERRA to deliver a sense of genuine catharsis, even during dense moments. The production work of regular collaborator Daniel Braunstein adds a glistening cohesive weight. It might not quite see ERRA meet the acclaim of their self-titled album, yet ‘silence outlives the earth’ has just enough depth to maintain their spot within progressive metalcore.
‘silence outlives the earth’ by ERRA is released on March 6th on UNFD.
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