Album/EP

Knocked Loose - A Tear In The Fabric Of life (EP Review)

Walladmin

Heavy Metal Wordsmith

Oct 15, 2021

7 min read

Knocked Loose - A Tear In The Fabric Of life
Released: October 14th, 2021

Line-Up:

Bryan Garris // Vocals
Isaac Hale // Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals
Kevin Otten // Bass
Kevin 'Pacsun' Kaine // Drums
Nicko Calderon // Rhythm Guitar

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One of the hardcore genre's most prominent acts, Knocked Loose are back in the limelight as they have surprised us all with a six-track EP that focuses on themes such as grief and trauma which surrounds the concept of survivors guilt after crashing a car which resulted in the death of a loved one. We haven't heard much from the group since watching them perform at the 2020 editions of UNIFY Gathering and Invasion Fest and the release of this EP explains why (apart from the usual covid delays), they have been hard at work experimenting with new sounds and different writing styles... but has the band truly progressed sonically? Let's assess!

Kicking off the EP is 'Where The Light Divides'. This piece encapsulates the terrifying moment where the downward cycle begins, the car crash. Radio static with faint sounds of reception is interrupted by an intensely heavy introduction to the EP's featured on the release.

Chuggy guitars and impressively technical drum pattern the horror of the surviving character's situation. Just as I thought that the songs sheer brutality is coming to a decline we are introduced to a mosh inducing breakdown after hearing the EP title "A tear in the fabric of life". Groovy low tuned guitar riffs take us into 'God Knows'. Long-drawn out instrumentals lead us to Bryan Garris' vocals and he is sounding as good as ever. The guest vocals from Matt King of Portrayal of Guilt are a refreshing addition. His high range voice slots in effortlessly between Bryan's screams.

'Forced To Stay' is up next and my mind is instantly drawn to how the intro feels strikingly similar to 'Trapped In The Grasp Of A Memory' from the band's previous release A Different Shade Of Blue. It's a welcomed resemblance as the song heads in the direction towards a more death metal sound, which is inclusive of strong cymbal hits following the guitarist lead. This kind of sound is uncharted territory for the group but yet again, they have exceeded all expectations. Despite its fast tempo, dark themes and outstanding vocals, 'Contorted In The Faille' seems to be a generic Knocked Loose track. My excitement is re-sparked once we reach the breakdown towards the track's outro. The heavily layered, chugging guitars along with the lyrics "I am with you now" and the sound of someone digging a hole with a shovel adds tremendous depth to the story.

The EP's shortest track 'Return To Passion' is full of aggression. There's not much more to it. It is purely 73 seconds of rage. Simplistic guitar riffs carry this track through to the end where creepy whispers take us to the EP's final track titled 'Permanent'. This track seemingly incorporates every highlight from this EP, from the hard-hitting guitars with both low tunes chugs and groovy mosh riffs through to impressive drumming and of course Bryan's unique screams.

This EP is a successful step towards a new direction and to me is the perfect length with a runtime of around 21 minutes... It doesn't leave me wanting more and it doesn't overstay its welcome. I can't wait until the day I get to see a packed music venue full of flying fists and spin kicks together with this collection of songs.