If there is one thing we have learned in the four decades of extreme music it is that nothing really dies. It goes dormant, slumbers for a bit, and then comes rampaging back once more. And we are already seeing it with the rebirth of the 2000s metal/hardcore sound in bands like Take Life.
Comprised of veteran stalwarts Rafe Holmes (Insvrgence) and Rob Fusco (One King Down, Most Precious Blood, Recon), as well as drums by Matt Guglielmo, Take Life is a return to the resurgent metalcore genre.You Are Nowhere is their twelve track debut of abrasive, hardcore-infused metalcore.
Those that have been around long enough might remember there were two strands of metalcore back in the day: the sing/scream stuff (ala It Dies Today) and the stuff that took more cues from bands like Converge or Burnt By The Sun. Take Life is the latter. An infusion of intricate riffs, drums, twists, turns, and soul violence is what powers You Are Nowhere.
From blast beats, moshy sections, mathy riffs, and dead breakdowns, Take Life take the listener on a scorched earth path. This is metalcore that is written with an uncompromising attitude and a raw vein exposed. Tracks like "No Life Goes Unruined" is a bleak trek but also has a host of tasty riffs, some melody, and ugly breakdowns.
There is plenty of variety throughout the record. At times it's melodic, or others it is more mid-tempo such as "Leper Shepherd." The most interesting aspect often is how much Take Life change things up or really embrace that mathy sound. The way tempos shift and either slowly or quickly weave adds an extra shot of adrenaline to the sound, and further infuses the energy/emotion the band has on constant display.
"Trepidatious steps were taken into vulnerable territory to make this album honestly – it was the only way," said vocalist Rob Fusco. "Withholding anything during the effort would have made it apparent to those who care to listen that cowardice from criticism overpowered the drive to create from a genuine place. Randy LeBoeuf was a critical driver and guide to that end, and thus the credit and appreciation he is due are limitless."
If you are craving more modern bands in the vein of End or Dying Wish, then do not waste another moment sleeping on this band. Take Life write some incredible music that walks a line of incredibly aggressive, emotional, and interesting.
You Are Nowhere will be released as a limited vinyl run on the mighty Translation Loss. If you dabble in vinyl, you should know they put out some fine bands with fine pressings. And you can preorder here.
Take Life Bandcamp
