Going through the underground Tokyo metalcore scene, it is not hard to find decent bands. In fact, there are so many reasonably talented bands that tick so many of the boxes what you are looking for when trying to find a great metalcore act. Whether it is old school or new school, there is something there for everybody.

Finding a good band amongst a sea of average is less of a challenge than trying to find a stand out amongst a plethora of talent- but that is what makes Solitude A Sleepless Nights ‘Set The Fire To The Sun’ EP so special.

A masterclass in melodic metalcore, this release from this melodic metalcore act is intentional and inspired- so let’s give it the honour of breaking it down more.

‘Dig Your Own Grave’ is the first cab off the rank and it is a brilliant choice to open. It dips into a more first generation of metalcore inspired sound but does not feel nostalgic or gimmicky. It has taken the foundation and brought it into 2024. The guitars sing and harmonise, ensuring that melodic is not just a genre they decided to slap onto their Instagram bio. It’s fast and furious, but able to accomplishment so much in under three minutes. The vocals provide that classic gang vocal style clean chorus moment, with aggressive verses. Ultimately though, the instrumentation is given so much opportunity to shine ensuring that this release is a well-rounded affair.

Not wasting any time, the hypnotic riffs of ‘sink to the undersea’ creep their way in, quickly leading you into a two-step beat that will get even the most retired of us wanting to throw down. It has a little Polaris essence in the opening riff, that scratches the brain just right. It has some barks. Again, it feels like modern metalcore but does not rehash the same tired sounds. If I am going to be honest, as much as I love the sample heavy, nu-metalcore sound that is going around right now- it is refreshing to just allow a classic instrumentation to do its thing with falling back into the cliché same over used riffs. Again, another short track that feels like so much is packed in. Also, the tease for going into a breakdown but instead getting a guitar solo? Chefs kiss. Blistering its way to the end, by the time the final track ‘AGNIS’ kicks in, you are almost left wondering what else can they throw in?

Well apparently quite a lot. The vocal harmonies in this track in the chorus are that kind to stick in your head, begging you to sing a long too. All in all, though, I cannot get over just how much heavy lifting the guitars are doing on this EP. It almost feels that there are three singers, the way the melody is constructed around the guitar parts does not go unnoticed. Forgive me for saying that this does remind me a little of a Crystal Lake song, but unlike so many bands in the Japanese scene who tried to mimic the work of their fellow countrymen- it has its own identity. It merely feels a little inspired and that is definitely not a bad thing.

Overall, ‘Set The Fire To The Sun’ is a shining example of taking the framework of a genre, inspiration of those who came before and bending and twisting into something unique. This short three song EP has shown that you do not need to go against convention to create something interesting- you just need to be intentional, thoughtful and brave.

My only complaint? Three songs is not enough.

Rating: 9.5 / 10
Review by Kayla Hamilton (@kaylazomboid)
You can listen to the EP on your preferred platform here.