Album Review: I Am Pariah – Charm Before The Storm

Sometimes music can be the ultimate non medicinal pick me up that is needed. It can inspire, calm and elevate ones mood. If ever that boost was needed then that time is now. The beauty of our preferred tastes means everyone draws something different from what they hear. Music must be able to provoke a reaction and a feeling. There’s no doubt that in ‘Charm Before The Storm’ Stoke on Trent nu-metalcore trio I Am Pariah will provide the necessary restorative tonic for these troubled times.

Straight off the bat the electric trip hop drums give way to a ridiculously catchy pre chorus simply. This is simply a foil to the sumptuous call to arms of the main chorus. With an inspiring energy and a relentless heartbeat ‘Suck it up' is an immediate and explosive modern metalcore anthem. With all the elements you’d expect from a catchy well crafted song its head nodding, foot tapping qualities will immediately be lodged in your head and have you replaying its infectious stomp . Whilst the song doesn’t do anything out of the box or unique what it does do it does with an enviable ease and with a solid smattering of attitude and confidence. An electrifying, soaring solo shows the band are not restrained by the confines of or shackled by a style of music not often associated with technical showmanship. With the bounce and tenacity associated with nu-metal, that’s where any comparisons to the most divisive of metals sub genres end. Changes in timing and tone add a subtle touch of texture and allow the gripping bass to come to the fore. These moments ensure your focus is cleverly retained and engaged and make for a promising start to the E.P.

With an uplifting feel to the music and the glorious melodies adding a sense of brightness. It doesn’t detract from the depth of lyrics or subject matter. The band should be applauded for delving into the idea of chaotic relationships which comes from being wronged. This potentially dark theme could add a different sound and feel to the song yet there is a very distinct uplifting tone.

This energy and confidence continue as the muscular strains of ‘Sicko' lure you into its menacing heart. With a punky swagger, air of sleazynes and dripping in attitude this mid paced rager displays a band totally at ease with their hook laden sound. A sound they execute with cohesive precision whist not losing character or atmosphere. The breakdown near the end reveals a dense doomy riff and the scintillating solo heightens the vibrancy and depth of the track.

I Am Pariah have effortlessly over the course of ‘Charm Before The Storm' pull the listener into their accessible engaging modern metal. Metalcore may not be famed for its emotional depth and feelings garnered from its aural delivery but there is an honesty emanating from these three songs. Sure the trusted characteristic of clean and scream vocals add a dynamic to the sound but often the path trodden by nu and metalcore bands can be a too safe, with little taken to vary the sound and ultimately character. ‘Kill The Modern World’s takes on a more melancholic feel, without being overly dark or oppressive. A song of two parts the first half allowing the warming vocals of Benjamin Antony James to shine with the conviction of the lyrics being delivered sensitively. The ethereal tones of delicate keys shimmer. A fiery solo again and delicious vocal harmonies are the final pieces which relinquish ‘Kill The Modern World's grip on you and in doing so draw this engaging and sonically pulsating E.P. to a close.

The chances are if you are still reading this I Am Pariah will satisfy your nu-metalcore hunger and this EP will impose its immediate familiarity and boisterous charm onto you. However if this, one of the most  derided of styles is not your thing will you afford ‘Charm before the Storm' your time? Sometimes its does the world of good to simply thrown off the shackles and explore what else is outside the confines of your own safe preferences. With that in mind those looking in from the comfort of other styles are urged to indulge for ‘Charm Before The Storm’ may be an instant welcome discovery.