On past evidence, Hertfordshire-based outfit Defences have been touted as promising up-and-comers in the pool of UK alt-metal/metalcore upstarts. Much like 2021’s ‘In The Balance’, album number three, ‘Shadowlight’, sees the quintet comfortably bed themselves into metalcore tropes with admirable results.
Songs such as ‘Perish’ and ‘Gold In The Dark’ have that familiar cinematic production shine and are backed by muscular riffs from Calum Wilmot. While Owen Hughes-Holland (bass) and Kyle Parke (drums) add to the hefty weight as vocalist Cherry Duesbury and keyboardist William Young elevate songs like ‘Perish’. Their duel vocal work is considerably Defences‘ strongest characteristic. On the latter, and on ‘Silence & The Sound’ they’re able to build an atmosphere of trepidation, through the pair’s impressive clean vocals. The atmosphere and tension are cohesive and allow them to stir up a claustrophobic tone.
As the record moves forward, ‘Breathe It In’ thrives on gigantic percussion and crushing guitars before ‘Inspirit’ gently slows things down. Riding on a fragile wave and a simple tempo, it highlights Defences‘ growing versatility. Where in the past they may have rushed through, throwing anything that sticks, here they’re able to utilise their strengths poignantly.
Despite some appreciative moments, some moments make Defences fail to stand out from the crowd. ‘Ego(Maniac)’ is another punchy, pulsating affair that delivers an expected riveting breakdown amongst its towering hook. While the later pairing of ‘The Almost’ and ‘Greatness’ merely come off as filler. Closing with its title track, ‘Shadowlight’ ends strongly. Again utilising Duesbury’s vocals against an airy musical backdrop, it compellingly builds to a driving finale, before pulling back with twinkling acoustics. It leaves you feeling there’s some hope of Defences breaking out from the wrath of bands within metalcore.
Besides, at times, being quite generic, ‘Shadowlight’ is a promising effort from Defences. It’s subtly cohesive, both musically and lyrically, and they allow themselves to individually show their strengths. In short, a step in the right direction albeit one that will need to take a huge stride forward next time out.
‘Shadowlight’ by Defences is out now on Long Branch Records.
