Review By Cerrin Hendricks (@panicpreacher)

Australian metalcore outfit DIESECT are out for blood with their latest record HIDE FROM THE LIGHT, a concept EP which hones their intense, horror-inspired nu-metalcore into a sonic weapon. 

Following up on their 2021 and 2023 records MIRROR IMAGE and SHADOWS FOLLOW, the band continue to build on their core sound, delving further into the electronic layers behind the music and bringing it to the forefront for startling dynamic shifts. 

From the eerie intro quote to the ensuing breakbeats, breakdowns and overall chaos, opener and title track ‘HIDE FROM THE LIGHT’ crafts a unique sound that combines the likes of VEIN.FM and ALPHA WOLF into a cohesive audio assault. From quiet passages to all-out mayhem, the use of dynamics as well as pacing make this a track that immediately grabs your attention.

Starting with a subtle electronic beat, ‘TOO MANY SCARS‘ brings forth a far groovier style, with vocalist Damien Bigara showing off his timing prowess with many fast verses, spat out with intense vitriol. One thing that is already apparent on this EP is the emphasis on hooks and overall catchiness underneath the malice, which makes for a record which draws the listener in whilst remaining abrasive. 

Just as you feel you might be given a breather, they come back with an intense wall of sound. Third track ‘PRETTY MUCH DEAD‘ hits hard from the start with pounding double bass, breaking into a midtempo beatdown that creates contrast from the previously faster paced songs. The highlight of the track actually comes in its quietest moments, as the middle of the song draws the listener closer as it drops the volume and increases the creep factor tenfold, creating a grimy backdrop as the bass and drums slowly build up. When the ending does hit, the weight of the added guitars and noise feel like the building is coming down around you. 

‘SHURA‘ opens up with a slow burn before becoming a glitch-filled breakdown fest. Being the midpoint of the record, it is an appropriately heavy hitting track. Leaning more into the formula laid out by peers ALPHA WOLF, the song feels a bit like the middle child of the record, with less brave and unique moments.That being said, the writing is still solid and catchy, with several moments in the song making it very much replayable. 

The tense intro to ‘THERE WAS NEVER LIGHT‘ gives way to a crushing hellscape of guitars and noise and forms a perfect lead into the final chapter of this EP, with a foray into downtempo territory not present previously on the record. It’s a welcome change and cleanses the palette before final track ‘SUFFER IN THE DARK‘ grabs the listener and brings the EP full circle. The pace and groove of this song bring the listener back instrumentally to the start of the record, whilst the theme and vocal delivery bring the album to a dark close. The ending breakdown keeps going until it devolves into an electronic haze, much like the final breaths of a dying industrial entity.Overall, an extremely strong release from an act that is begging for your attention. 2025 is shaping up to be an amazing year for metalcore in Australia, and DIESECT are leading the charge with this release.

Rating: 9.3/10

NOISE ‘N’ VISUALS promotes predominately independent or smaller label signed acts. So if you want to support the growing Asia Pacific heavy music scene, please check out the band’s social media.

Instagram
Facebook