ALMONDot - 鋼鉄 – Koutetsu - EP Review
The self-described Industrial metal band ALMONDot are making waves with their debut EP
ALMONDot the four-piece industrial metal band is relatively new to the scene but is already making waves. Comprised of teenagers Soria [18] on vocals and guitar, and Ensen [17] providing the rapping, alongside Kurio-Chrome on bass, and UI-Shirioi Otoko on guitar. They are self-described as Industrial metal but are sonically more versatile and their debut EP ‘鋼鉄 – Koutetsu’ proves just that.
At a brief 13 minutes and 5 songs, they waste little time presenting the many genre hats ALMONDot wears. Each song sonically pulls you in different directions, traveling a range of sonic landscapes. You travel from the aforementioned industrial scene to rap, funk, power/prog, Jpop, and rock. In short, a band experimenting with so many genres should spread them thin, leaving the songs underdeveloped and the listener wanting more.
However, ALMONDot is not one of those bands and this is not one of those Eps. ALMONDot’s confidence shines through from the first note of the opener ‘Hell Ring Slam.’ They jump straight in with chugging riffs before transitioning to Jpop melodies during the chorus. Ensen’s raps balance Soria’s softer vocals.
The first single ‘I’ll Go First, Sorry’ is the track that encapsulates the band. A shredding riff and thumping industrial bass juxtaposed by electronic grooves, and a chorus guaranteed to get stuck in your head. ‘Scharlach-Weiβ’ continues the groove-first approach with an awe-inspiring solo highlighting their confidence and talent. There is a hint of metalcore with their sound – particularly Escape the Fate with their guitar and electronic paring.
Ensen has only hinted so far at her rapping capabilities until you get to ‘TSUNAMAYO ONIGIRI.’ The rapid-fire vocal delivery packs a lot in under 3 minutes to leave you wanting more. There’s a playful, bouncing attitude that continues on the EP closure ‘U-ZAI.’ A bouncy track that leans towards funk with Kurio-Chrome’s bass juxtaposed with the melodic pop vocals that are brought together by the breakdown later on the track.
ALMONDot may be in their infancy but they play with the confidence of seasoned pros deep in their career. 鋼鉄 – Koutetsu knows how to leave a lasting impression. ALMONDot is a band with a strong future ahead of them.