Reviewed by Ian Webber

Following up their 2014 EP, this five-piece outfit from Redding, California have added a further five tracks and released this 30-minute metalcore onslaught. Whilst the aggressive rhythms and incessant riffing is all standard fare for your average metal band, Surpasses have managed to forge their own path with thought-provoking lyrics and themes. The band express their desire for listeners to get involved in a "movement of love, acceptance, empowerment and joy." Although this melodic metalcore contains very little in the way of clean vocals, delivery is very clear and easy to follow. As an example of the band's challenging lyrics, "Define" is a spoken track that encourages you to step out in faith. Aside from this, gang vocals and tight breakdowns litter the eight cuts on offer, none more in-your-face than "Joy" with its abrasive intro and abrupt chorus. Throughout the majority of the music, there are underlying lead breaks that carry some catchy melody lines and reveal a good standard of production as they are not lost amongst distortion and pounding drums. Although the pace does not let up very often, the closing "All Of Us" does include an ambient element in the guitar work and spoken section with a harmonised chorus. This diversity is, however, an exception and in many ways the lack in musical variety is the main weakness in the recording. This talented bunch of lyricists and technical musicians now need to think about adding a little more structure to what are some solid post hardcore tracks.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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