Metasoma – Core
Metasoma – Core
Self Release
Release date: 02/08/26
Review by: Jon Deax
8.5/10
Metasoma is a band that finally stopped flinching, and ‘Core’ is the result.
It seems that every couple of months one band decides they’ve gotten ‘heavier.’ This usually means that they finally got themselves a seven-string guitar, discovered breakdowns, and learned to make faces for publicity shots. Two singles later, they are still churning out the radio-ready rock, but they don’t know how to name it anymore.
Metasoma took the old formula and burnt it down to ashes.
The rock version of the band died, and nobody needs to mourn its loss. Core is not about revisiting their past, but creating something new from scratch. Five tracks that seem to be written after some of them finally admitted that the nice one was lying to them.
Production by Filip Halucha creates a tangible feeling in ‘Downfall.’ The kick drums feel like bad news arriving by post, guitars have enough grit in their sounds to sandpaint off the walls, and none of the sounds get lost in the over-compressed mush that ruined far too many contemporary metal tracks. The rest of the tracks follow the same pattern, thanks to Dawid Konrad Rydz.
This EP hits the ground running with ‘Downfall’. No dramatic prelude. No meaningless atmosphere that is meant to create some mood instead. Just a riff with enough Pantera swagger to make furniture flat and a rhythm section that won’t let the song wander for even a moment. Vlad seems to be constantly pissed at the very existence of human beings, which suits him perfectly well. His voice does not sound polished; it is rough around the edges, like that of someone who spent too much time yelling at the problem and received no answers.
And then ‘Attic’ brings some change into the mix, while keeping the heaviness. The chorus reaches towards the sky with enough melody to give you hope for the shelter, but then guitars bring everything back into dark places under the ground. The band’s explanation of childhood memories is not really needed. There is nothing nostalgic here. It sounds like opening the old cupboard and remembering why you nailed the bloody thing shut.
‘Omen’ points at wars, propaganda and hypocrisy, produced on an industrial scale. Heavy music is covering those themes for decades now, and a lot of bands make the mistake of thinking that shouting means delivering insight. Metasoma don’t fall for it. Riffs deliver the rage better than several pages of lyrics ever could, and the whole track carries the confidence of a musician who is not afraid to speak up.
‘Shock’ could have easily turned into a disaster. Using System of a Down territory is hardly a subtle move. Luckily, they stole the energy instead of the identity. Odd rhythms stumble around enough to keep things unpredictable; Vlad seems absolutely crazy, but never falls into the parody. And suddenly, the EP has its catchiest track. It is gloriously awkward. Like watching somebody dancing through the riot.
‘Horizon’ completes the EP by slowing down the pace, but does not give up on tension. Melodies stretch farther, the guitars stop trying to crack your ribs for a while, and there is a hint of a life beyond the credits. Still, Metasoma never try to impose some happy ending on the listeners. The darkness simply relaxes its grasp for just a minute or two.
The good thing about Core is that it does not sound contrived. There is no evident intention to follow whatever version of metalcore is popular at festivals this year. Many newer bands sound assembled from spare parts – Architects riffs, Parkway Drive breakdowns, the same production, the same blank thousand-yard stare. After twenty minutes they all blend into each other.
Not Metasoma.
Influences can be easily heard, but they never turn into impersonation. The grooves have some weight, the technical performances serve the songs instead of the musicians’ egos, and all performances sound like complete commitment. There is nobody trying to show off. They are too busy trying to knock your teeth out.
The only real flaw is that there are only five tracks here. Just when the band found itself in this nasty skin, the EP ends. It is frustrating, but it is a much better problem than outstaying their welcome, which many EPs twice this long never solve.
Core does not sound like the band trying to become heavier.
It sounds like the band that finally admitted it already was.”Core” is a band that finally stopped flinching: five tracks of controlled devastation that treat your nervous system the way Vader treats a snare drum. Metasoma didn’t find their heavier era. They dug it up, and judging by what came out of the ground with it, therapy was never going to cut it.
Five tracks of controlled devastation that treat your nervous system the way Vader treats a snare drum. Metasoma didn’t find their heavier era. They dug it up, and judging by what came out of the ground with it, therapy was never going to cut it.
EP Tracklist:
1. Downfall
2. Attic
3. Omen
4. Shock
5. Horizon
Links
Bandcamp : https://metasoma.bandcamp.com/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Metasoma.Metal
YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@Metasoma
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/metasomaband
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Jon Deaux and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
