This Stevenage, Hertfordshire, based groove machine have put out six releases (including this one) since they started back in 2011. Demos, a single and EPs, and 'Me Vs. I' is their 2nd EP with quite a bit to listen to.
After a long-ish acted introduction piece containing oppressive synthesizer work, 'Maimed in Chelsea' starts the action. Jump-da-fuck-up/double kick drum beats and heavy metalcore riffs à la Slipknot with heavy bass backing and rough-throat vocals fluctuating from high-pitched to lower voices. Yeah, Outright Resistance sound pretty US-influenced. Riffs in vein of Pantera and Lamb Of God follow after the opening song. However, the songs get better from nicely rolling and rocking, plus very catchy, 'Prove Them Wrong', in my opinion. This song also shows the band's melodic attribute. on this EP, one can also hear some UK hardcore vibes and death metal bits. With simplistic 'Destiny Is All' the band show how to smash riffs through skull with a ten ton hammer. The songwriting isn't very complicated at all, even though there's quite some variety during the longest song. But what their songwriting generally lacks are flashy bits, that are but a trace.
Guitars sound churning and steely, with some tasty shrieks fired. The drums are otherwise fitting, but the kick drums have that clicky, triggered sound, which should be thrown away next time around. Well, at least there's the bass, then. As mentioned, vocals are rough throat stuff, as heard in many metalcore bands. They are good for what they are, and what makes it better is the fact that there's no clean vocals at all! Those wimpy emocore ones, you know?! Anyway, generally, the performances aren't wondrous, but do their jobs.
While Outright Resistance are influenced by US groove metal, they still carry their British essence. With this release, the band easily place themselves on "non-sucky" side of groove metal. Unlike so many other bands doing this kind of stuff... A pretty enjoyable slice of modern metal from UK.
Rating: 6 (out of 10) ratings explained
Reviewed by Lane
09/06/2016 18:31
