Like most good trends, the popularity and presence of metallic hardcore has been at a constant ebb and flow. Peaking with the momentum from Converge at the start of the 2000's, the genre eventually lost pace with a focus on melody and the post-hardcore scene. But luckily in more recent years, we have seen a rise in more experimental and forward-thinking groups. Acts like Code Orange and Harms Way were the first I noticed to peek into the underground spotlight, but it seems the floodgates are breaking open as a particularly new sound is becoming increasingly present and compelling.
The rhythm and riffs driving these bands are quite phenomenal. They are neither groovy nor mechanical, but somewhere in between. The choppy feel of Godflesh mixed with a raw sporadic mindset of Neurosis. The Canadian hardcore act, Exalt, has furthered this notion with their third full-length album, The Shape You Took Before the Ache, via Good Fight Music and New Damage Records.
Similar to Code Orange's I Am King, the band continues the traditional hardcore custom of snare drum fucking and constant rapid vocal segments, but in the end the music always leans back to a central, unique territory that is somewhat new for the genre. Their experimentation with feedback and pauses creates for a far more engaging listen. Opening track "Sacrifice to Purify" or "Martyr Alone" are solid examples of what I'm trying to describe. And while the massive riffs do act as the driving force in these songs, there is a moody atmosphere that is an equally defining factor to the record. Namely the latter halves of "Caro" and "Undertow" exemplify a modern hardcore attitude through soundscape.
"The Ache" provides a simple acoustic intermission amongst the distortion and high tempo pieces. On "Worship," clean vocals are shown amongst hardcore rhythms. I found this to be one of the most attention-grabbing moments on here. And while at first it came off as unorthodox, I realized that's because it was the only piece on here to provide that quality. "The Shape" and "I Dove Into the Sun" also possess cleans, but they are accompanied by relatively low-key music instead of the harsh contrast on "Worship." I'm hoping to hear more of this stylization from the band in the future as it felt to be an innovative highlight.
I'd hate to dwell on stereotypes of this genre, but I would wish for more stylistic and structural variety this far in the whole genre's evolution. When Code Orange provided tinges of industrial, drone, and grunge into their metallic hardcore, I had much hope. And Exalt does provide some experimentation of styles within these songs, but not enough for me to label them as dynamic. As a result of this, there are hardly any blatant standout tracks on this LP, which is a tad of a disappointment. Granted, I would say the entirety of the album has a cohesive aesthetic, yet it is nice to have a couple go-to tracks to rely on.
Not only does this article act as an album review, but also a show of awareness of this new wave of hardcore which I believe has a very notable style. It is intelligent, while simultaneously visceral. Groovy and chaotic. And Exalt is proving to be a key band in this transition. The Shape You Took Before the Ache may not be noted for having any hit singles, however the distinct style and rough finesse represented are original, marking the start of a significant movement.
Score: 8/10
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