Renowned Dundee metalcore outfit To Kill Achilles return to the scene with crushing single “You Live On In Me”, their first release since their debut album Existence of 2013. TKA are no strangers to scottish metalcore, founded in 2009 and trailblazers in their scene with fellow bands such as Bleed From Within, making a welcome return in 2015 with new upcoming releases and a current February tour supporting rising modern hardcore english talents Lock & Key.
With strong elements of household names such as The Devil Wears Prada and Northlane, TKA have arguably evolved since their small beginnings, backed by a solid fanbase and support from local venues and establishments in Dundee, to a technical and musically powerful band that are set to have a real presence for 2015. A heartfelt yet heavy song about loss, frontman Mark Steppie delivers You Live On In Me with thoughtful lyrics and passionate raw vocals, backed by crisp, crunching instrumentals. Delivering breakdowns and climatic verses with presence of tranquil electronic melodies provided by Mark Tindel over heavily downtuned guitars from Marc Sharp, Shaun Lawrence and Matt Thippet gives the single a real tech metal/djent feel that is executed both soundly and with accomplished musical contrast that really does work in terms of an often repetitive genre.
Produced by Nick Scholey and mixed/mastered by Joey Sturgis, the smooth production highlights guitar work in similarities to the sounds of Blessthefall or Architects, where tones and guitar work are a driving force behind their records. Technical and fast descending riffs provide the musicianship and heaviness for the track as well as a very clear bass, often rare for the metalcore genre. Drums are very tight yet highly substantial for the driving rhythm and delivery of the records most hectic moments.
You Live On In Me is a punishing and powerful return from TKA that acts only as a teaser for what else they can bring to the table this year. The combination of punchy drop tuned breakdowns and emotional verses reminiscent of moments from Northlanes Singularity record, To Kill Achilles are definitely excelling in their field of contemporary metal and advance musically with experience of the scene and eagerness for touring after their year break of writing. Definitely a band to keep an eye on for 2015.