Some individuals are simply born for the music industry and considering David Castillo, his accolades are adding up quite impressively being the co-owner of the legendary Saint Vitus Bar venue, frontman of post-hardcore group Primitive Weapons, and now leading this newest metal act. With a gang of accomplished guest musicians and production team on board, this debut is a recipe for success.
While the main musicians consisting of guitarists Travis Bacon and Nick Emde, bassist Brian Ponto, and drummer Kenny Appell are the key factors in the material's chaotic sound, producer Dean Baltulonis (Sick of It All, American Nightmare) and Brad Boatright (High on Fire, Nails) mold White Widows Pact's True Will into a strong cocktail of death metal, hardcore, and sludge. I can only assume the label involved, New Damage Records, stand proudly by their name while this 37-minute beast is bound to serve up a fair share of tinnitus and eardrum abuse.
Turn the volume to 11 (if possible, most speakers only allow for 10) and warn the elderly neighbors nearby before embarking in the incessant intensity delivered on opening track "Landlord." As predicted, the overall sonic qualities of the material is best defined as hardcore, but slowed down grooves harken past sounds of Melvins or Crowbar. These tendencies are persistent through "Thirteen Years of War" and "Hangman." Cancer Bats' vocalist Liam Cormier provides screams on a choppy down-tuned intermission in the middle of "This Thing of Ours."
So far, the variations of styles showcased have been thin, however this flaw is relieved by the appropriately titled "Intertwined" track, which reveals a light acoustic and melodic side. I have no major qualms towards this specific release in the topic, but I do have a bone to pick with the respective genre as it seems to be a common factor. And I'll admit to feeling twice my age by making this statement, yet I find a consistency in a lack of dynamics. Throat hemorrhage inducing vocals and snap-neck riff tempos can get audibly cumbersome over time and the need for some restraint is fundamental in highlighting the abrasive elements. As I said before, White Widows Pact is mostly considerate towards this notion by placing a few subdued segments dispersed around.
"No Exit" becomes unique with a chuggy rhythm progression and surprisingly fitting guitar solo invoking an industrial Ministry vibe. I definitely would be interested in seeing a further exploration of this style as it sets the band apart from a stereotypical approach. Vocals from Sara Taylor of Youth Code and Aaron Heinold of Hivesmasher are meshed into the chaotic atmospheres of "Blood and Smoke" and "Undertaker" respectively. Not once does the energy die down as proven on the catchy string bends of "Cruel and Unusual" or aggressive closer "The Watch," featuring a drum-machine driven hidden track with Theologian's Leech.
The sound displayed on True Will is exactly what is to be expected on a decent debut album. White Widows Pact excel within their personal genre, shown through the basic hardcore fundamentals in a majority of these tracks. And while the stylistic experimentation may be spread thin, the result is nonetheless impactful. All in all, there are striking moments where the group test the waters of genre fusion allowing this album to represent the base foundation of what shall be a solid, eclectic band.
7.5/10
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