Fresh from signing to UNFD Australian metallic hardcore band Cursed Earth released the Cycles of Grief Volume 1: Growth EP on the 4th August. This EP sees the group display a true understanding of the various styles of heavy music, whilst maintaining a thematic consistency based around the darker aspects of life.
The EP has a distinct hardcore feel to it with the 5 tracks hovering at around a total of ten minutes in length. Opening song War March has a relatively slow build considering the song length. The pounding drums and bass add to the building aggression coupled with the almost tortured style vocals it is a great introduction to the EP. Broken feeds off the build on War March and is instantly rattling through at a faster pace. Broken feels a lot like a release from the tenser start that was War March. With the opening two tracks being released as a joint video it is no surprise to see them fit so well together in the context of the EP.
Third track Discarded sees the band venture more toward a metallic sound. In parts the vocals lend themselves to a more death metal style, while the guitars take on a more brooding, metallic sound. Sanctioned Violence continues to showcase more depth to the band’s sound, and their appreciation for the varying styles of heavy music. Particularly notable was a brilliant fade out on the metallic riff that featured so heavily on the track. Closer Violated continues in the same vain as Sanctioned Violence as it bases itself around another loud uncompromising riff.
While musically this EP displays a vast style of heavier music, it still maintains the hardcore styles that are the basis of Cursed Earth’s sound. The depth showcased on the final three tracks highlight the potential this five piece has, and being newly signed to UNFD should only aid their development as a band.