_{Review by Kayla Hamilton (@kaylazomboid)}

One of the most anticipated acts to debut in the Naarm (Melbourne) scene, Blood Oath are fast making an impression. Dropping their debut EP The Pattern Of Pain this week, a massive follow up to the first single ‘Gauze’, it’s no wonder they are already making waves.

The Pattern Of Pain makes a crushing impression right from the first track ‘INTRO’. Setting the tone for the aggressive offering that follows, it shows that you only need around a minute to deliver a sold breakdown. It flows seamlessly into the aforementioned ‘Gauze’, a song that pulls no punches in its message. 

It maintains a consistent groove before speeding into the a riff that will have you moving. The line “What’s a life without protest? When the world ends- this is it!” hits even harder than the breakdown that follows. Sticking in your head because of the sobering reality, it’s very evident that Blood Oath having something to say and they aren’t afraid to tell it like it is.

As potent as ‘Gauze’ is- a perfect first release by the way- the EP only gets stronger as it goes on. ‘Bound By The Weight of Intention’ has that metallic hardcore sound that seeps into your bloodstream. The guitar licks are delightful, but that bass is the real star of the show. It lays down such a strong spine to the song and in the moments it takes front and centre, you feel it in your soul. 

Following is the band’s latest single ‘Pardon My French’ and I think this maybe my favourite song on the album. As a stand alone track, it rips and where it sits in the EP, it takes what already is a solid release up about five levels. It may be short and sweet, but it is just so visceral in its delivery. Every instrument gets its moment to shine. Dipping from that classic metalcore riffage into the modernised effected sound, it checks all the boxes while adding it’s own additions you didn’t know you needed. 

‘The Dull Hum Of Nothing’ is The Pattern of Pain’s finale and what a final track. Giving us time to mosh, time to have a little boogie and just when you think you know where it’s going, it gives a moments of pretty before launching back into that stank-face inducing heaviness. The layering of the guitars, with the ferocious vocals and the wall of sound from the rhythm section is just the right touch before it slowly fades out with a gut-wrenching “I’m sorry” over a that clean arpeggio. 

Ultimately The Pattern Of Pain is a solid first offering from Blood Oath. There is a reason there is so much hype behind this formidable new Australian act.

_{The Pattern Of Pain by Blood Oath is out now.
Find it here.}