Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Concepts Transitions EP Company: Independent Release: 2015 Genre: Black Reviewer: Greg Watson

Impressive debut

Up and comers Concepts deliver an impressive debut EP with "Transitions", a post-hardcore/metalcore/punk tinged offering that is somewhat expected for the genre yet defies some of the stereotypical elements that most metalcore/post-hardcore bands use. While some of the songs reflect a heavy djent influence, as the EP continues the band shows that they are definitely evolving their sound with longer clean vocal sections and with some of the vocals even taking on an almost R&B quality/timbre at times. Musically, the album is metalcore through and through with some ridiculously heavy breakdowns and monster riffs. One of the refreshing things for me on the EP is the lack of gang vocals that seems to have infested recent metalcore albums. The absence of these chanted vocals really allows the listener to focus on the death and clean duality and really appreciate each singer's ability at any given moment. After a few listens, the songs do become a touch repetitive but they are still fun to listen to. The opening track "Abomination" and "Mirrors" are my two favorites off of the album with the prior being a straight bruiser of a metalcore track and the latter being a more progressive approach that shows the band branching out into a more song-driven focus. As this band continues to find their niche and their sound, I believe they will be a force within the coming years. And the production on the album is so clean I had to make sure I read that the EP was self released and produced.