Only The Righteous – Hikikomori
Only The Righteous – Hikikomori
Self-Released
Release Date: 03/01/25
Review by Beth Morait
8/10
Now, you’re probably used to me reviewing the softer side of Metal. But it’s a little-known fact that I really dig Metalcore too. And every now and again I like to listen to something rage-fuelled and aggressive. Luckily for me, that’s exactly what Manchester’s Only The Righteous offer. In your face, hard-hitting Metalcore, with a dusting of Emo, and some really punishing sounds.
“Hikikomori” is their latest offering, and a collection of their singles since 2022. So, what’s it all about? Well, musically, it does what it says on the tin. Down-tuned bass that rumbles in the pit of your stomach, Djenty guitar riffs, and ridiculously aggressive vocals of Metalcore are all here. But it’s got a really great Melodic edge to it, too. Calmer sections of songs swoop in unexpectedly, like a hunting owl, to lull you into a false sense of security, before slapping you about a bit with more riffage and screams. ‘Diaphony’ is a great example of this. The clean vocals here, and in other songs, are nicely done.
It’s music that you can bang your head to if you’re old and get in the pit and fuck shit up to if you’re young! Pacey as you like, with stomping beats, metronomic guitars, no-nonsense vocals, gut-churning growls, and haunting screams. They like to make full use of some great samples, too, but they don’t rely on them to make the song work, which is a definite positive for me.
There’s lots of elements of Modern Metal in here too, which come out mostly in the clean sections. And you can hear influences of bands across the Metalcore and Modern Metal genres. It’s a good solid album. Not mind-blowing, but if you’re in the mood for something heavy, loud, and aggressive, “Hikikomori” will float your boat. I wish I was younger, and my carcass was less broken, so I could go into the pit, all guns blazing to this!
‘Diaphony’ Official Video
TRACKLISTING:
01. Afterall
02. Diaphony
03. No Saviours, No Saints
04. Hikikomori
05. (G3)
06. Day After Day
07. Modern Hell
08. Cold World
09. Worthless
LINKS:
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