With members hailing from New York, New Jersey, Colorado, and France, Deathcore marvels Face Yourself have come together to create a brutal masterpiece of an EP, Martyr.
Their first EP since signing to Sumerian Records, the heavy-hitting release both showcases the band’s artistic skill while allowing the vulnerability of Yasmine Liverneaux facing trauma down and growling in its face. Backed by a powerhouse team of Thomas Cardone, Corey Doremus, and Dave Ricco providing triple threat guitar work, Kyle Muenzner on bass, and Eric DiCarlo on drums, it has elements of nostalgia while still sounding like nothing you’ve heard before.
‘Primal’ immediately breaks into that vicious heavy sound that they have. A little comedic with the use of the classic Wilhelm Scream but allowing for that rage, that frustration, the acknowledgment of the duality in being the dominated and the dominator gives a solid showcase of what the EP will be.
There’s no pause in energy going into ‘Predatory’ it’s just as fast, just as wild. The dual vocals allow for variety without losing sight of the entire vibe they’re going for. The speed in lyrics is impressive, as is the range of vocal skills being implemented. The breakdowns go so hard. They burrow deep into the scan and rattle your bones while also being surprisingly danceable.
‘The Poet’ opens with the coolest effect where it mimics the horror movie knife slasher sound. The song introduces the atmosphere of being hunted down. It feels like there is no escape from this experience; this is your karma coming to get you and there is nowhere you can run or hide. Also, the French flex is so unbelievably cool.
‘Saboteur’ brings back the entertaining voice message-like ad libs. The entire song ties to the concept of finally seeing the enemy within yourself. Of not recognizing the person you have become. It’s inner turmoil and the external pressures. The line of “it’s just deathcore” when their sound is far more than that, repeated growls of “you’re nothing to me” showing absolutely no fear.
‘Sideration’ works as an impressive finale to the saga. A battle of looking for the light and finding it in the end, yet still having to battle the loss of sanity that comes between points A and B. Ending in the choral notes of managing to find that light and that escape.
Overall, the EP has it all. A sense of realness and vulnerability while still being fun, casual, and interesting. The songs are all long enough to really get into and build a picture. It feels like Face Yourself really took themselves to the next stage with everything they had.
Martyr is available to stream on all major platforms.
Catch Face Yourself live this summer on the Summer Of Rampage Tour with VCTMS, Crystal Lake, and Not Enough Space. Dates and ticket info can be found here.
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