FACE YOURSELF
Martyr (EP)
Sumerian Records

Spring is in the air and I can almost smell new releases on the horizon. At this time of year, all of us metalheads emerge from our frosted-over black metal cocoons to listen to something a little more cheerful to coincide with the blooming of the trees and sunny weather to meet our equally pleasant dispositions. That’s right my friends, I speak of new deathcore releases.

Of the litany of new brutality smiling up at us from the gods of hell we are greeted with the latest EP from FACE YOURSELF entitled “Martyr”. Will this new collection of tracks fill the void of misanthropic longing? Let’s find out together!

THE BAND

Hailing from New York in the US (not far from your favorite reviewer!), FACE YOURSELF has made a name for themselves over the past few years with a trilogy of memorable EPs. The sextet is comprised of frontwoman Jasmin Liverneaux Belkhodja, whose vocals are a visceral force of nature. Behind her, a three-pronged guitar assault from Dave Ricco, Corey Doremus, and Thomas Cardone creates a wall of surgically precise and utterly relentless sound. Kyle Muenzner’s bass playing adds a grimy undercurrent that fills every pocket of the mix, his backing vocals adding extra weight to already brutal breakdowns. And at the center of it all is drummer Eric DiCarlo, a machine behind the kit, delivering blast beats and double-kick patterns with inhuman precision.

THE ALBUM

The EP begins with “Primal”, which is not for the weak of the heart. After a brief vocal introduction, we are bombarded with dissonance to the max. Classic deathcore grooves and syncopation between the rhythm section and the melody add a tastiness that I’ve been craving all winter.

So far, so good….

Continuing we are greeted with “Predatory”, attacking the senses once again. The discordant nature of deathcore is in full presentation and is followed by “The Poet” which has a build to such an amazing staccato pattern full of industrial energy and chaotic vitality.

Not disappointed yet, let’s finish out strong…..

The EP, while short, finishes on such a high note with penultimate track “Saboteur”, continuing the raw brutality of the precedents, and my standout song of the entire collection “Sideration”. This track takes a bit of a left turn from the rest of the collection, introducing elements of symphony and choral work. It makes the project feel fresh and leaves the audience craving more.

THE VERDICT

In just a handful of tracks, this EP manages to pummel, provoke, and ultimately surprise. From the relentless aggression of “Primal” and “Predatory” to the industrial chaos of “The Poet”, and finally the unexpected elegance of “Sideration”, this project refuses to stay in one lane – and that’s what makes it such a standout. It’s a concise but potent offering that not only satisfies the primal craving for heaviness but hints at even greater depth beneath the surface. If this is just the beginning, consider me locked in for whatever comes next. “Martyr” is out on Sumerian Records on April 18th. Go pick up a copy.

Matthew McCune