Coming out the blocks with their new release ‘EP.Impermanence’, Thai hardcore act Carry On has thrown down the gauntlet. Not exactly new guys on the block, with the band having a few releases under their belt over the past few years- this latest offering is pushing them further into the eyes of the wider Asia-Pacific hardcore scene.

From the second the EP starts, there is this flavour of old school metalcore that hits your ear. That metallic hardcore sound that always leant itself more to the attitude of core but death metal style riffage, the EP opener ‘Fortitude’ establishes the tone perfectly. Aggressive vocals and a full-bodied rhythm section, there is no reinventing the wheel, but it taps into that primal part of any heavy hardcore fan the second those breakdowns hit. This is where I will warn you- throughout this entire release, you will be fighting the temptation to start throwing down on the spot.

As it kicks into track two, ‘Existence’, the drummer really takes a moment to own this track. Setting up the guitars to create a simple but solid groove, it is simple in its instrumentation but effective. Taking us from a consistent hardcore chug, into a two-step beat and then hitting us with a funky bassline- this track just goes hard.

Picking up the pace, we are then greeted by the track that put this band on my radar- their latest single ‘Liberation’. It is the vocals that get me with this one. The versatility, the attitude and of course, the gang vocal sections. It just feels like the hardcore I grew up on. The guitar solo is fantastic touch and really dips into that classic metal influence that gives it a little metalcore flavour.

There is no shortage of riffs when it comes to Carry On’s music. ‘Self-Control’ has received solid rotation in the NOISE ‘N’ VISUALS office and for good reason. This fast and furious number puts on display the bands talents, while giving us all the elements that make up the ideal metallic hardcore track. The toms, the breakdowns, the in-your-face vocals- it is hard to find much fault in anything this band has put down. Especially when they bring in that slow breakdown- you know exactly what face we are making every single time.

Now I touched on how the EP has exactly been reinvented the wheel and by the time you get to ‘Embrace’, the simplicity is evident. Does every record though have to be an absolute sonic evolution? Sometimes you just what a solid release that makes you realise what you love about a particular genre. The most important part of this release is the passion. By the time it ends with ‘Embrace’ you understand completely who this band is- which feels exactly like what they tried to do with this EP. Again, the final track is just a straight track that kicks you in the face in the best way.

In the future perhaps we could expect something more evolved and experimental, but at the end of the day- this band is a heavy hardcore band, and they are delivering some impressive heavy hardcore music. If you want something that is just straight-up, honest and aggressive then make sure you check out ‘EP.Impermanence’ by Carry On. I’m sure we will be seeing more of these guys in the near future.

Rating: 8 / 10
Review by Kayla Hamilton (@kaylazomboid)
‘EP.Impermanence’ is out now via Holding On Records. Listen here.