It seems not a week can go by without finding myself being introduced to a new metal band from Sheffield to listen to; it might even be getting to the point where it is worth my while to pack up and move there. This week’s chosen gem from the depths of Yorkshire is five-piece Inherit The Stars with their debut album, We Were Made To Walk The Skies. For a band who label themselves ‘metal’, it throws up a couple of surprises.
Although they’re happy to describe their sound as metal, the variation across the album makes it impossible to pigeon-hole them. You could opt for the safe bet of calling them post hardcore since there are some scattered screamed vocals; several of the instrumentals and breakdowns would have no injustice done to them by being labelled metalcore and yet, there are some more melodic sections that could comfortably be bopped along to by pop-punkers. Regardless of the ultimately meaningless task of slapping a genre them, what Inherit The Stars have here is a solid debut album which gives dominant role to melodies and each tracks overall rhythm, albeit with the inevitable combo of screaming and riffs as well. They do say that they are metal after all.
The album opens with standout tune ‘If We Fall, We’ll Fall Together’, showcasing a rumbling beat, sweet riffs and catchy, melodic vocals. From their ‘metal’ label, it isn’t quite what you’d expect as an introduction to their debut, but with the pacey riffs and heavy drumming it is possibly a more radio friendly release; transcending into something darker as the song comes to close. The heavier end lays the platform for the screamed vocals to break forward on second track (and first single) ‘Citizens Of Earth’. An unremitting assault of post hardcore music: the band begins to deliver on their promise of more metal with suspense building drums complimented by a melodic backing, again ending on a loud note with a metalcore instrumental.
Showing that there is more complexity to their music, Inherit The Stars slow things down as they get into the meat of the album. ‘Facing The Fire’ leads in with a silky synth line, but relies on the chorus to really hook listeners in with an electronic backdrop and violins to give it a slight symphonic edge. The orchestral element joined with distorted guitars show that it is no surprise the band lists Fightstar as an influence and it is probably one of the more commercial tracks on the album. Maintaining the calmer vibes, ‘Hold Your Breath’ carries on in the same vein supplying a catchy rhythm with blended backing vocal harmonies, topped off with a generous helping of punchy riffs.
‘Through The Fallout’ is the one truly different track on the album. Even amongst the bands’ transitioning sound, it stands in total contrast to all that has gone before or follows on after. It is a heartfelt, whispered and stark song; with heavy focus on the haunting vocals and a resonating sound created by the reintroduction of violins, it’s vaguely reminiscent of later Linkin Park.
As a first album, you could question whether Inherit The Stars try to do a bit too much. It is great to be able to show off the talents each member has and the band’s overall aptitude for changing their sound from an aggressive metal vibe to a bouncing pop-punk number is undoubtedly impressive. They may do better in their early days to really nail down a sound that works for them, variety is the spice of life and they clearly have an abundance, but sometimes it can help to pick out a target audience and say “Hey, you guys will LOVE this!”. Having said that, with elements of pop-punk, post hardcore and metal, there is a little bit of something for everyone in this album; while not reinventing music as we know it, the successful blend of genres makes this one well worth putting the speakers on for and turning the volume up to full!
3.5 out of 5 high fives!