Album/EP

Arkángel – Arkángel (EP Review)

Paul 'Browny' Brown

CEO/Founder and Editor-In-Chief

Jan 23, 2025

7 min read

Arkángel – Arkángel
Released: January 24, 2025

Lineup

Jake Harrap // Vocals
Harrison Taylor // Lead Guitar
Josh Žuljević // Rhythm Guitar
Jayden Dukes Grenfell // Drums

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Don’t you love the smell of fresh new core in the morning? Australia’s pressure cooker scene has been producing hit after hit in recent years, capturing the attention of global audiences who have been waiting to see who the next Crème de la crème will be. Today we’re checking in with Albury locals Arkángel, who are set to release their new self-titled EP on January 24th. Coming from the same hometown as Jesse Crofts (ex-Windwaker/Polaris touring guitarist) expectations are high, but when we read Ionei Heckenberg (Ocean Sleeper) was at the helm on the production, interest was certainly piqued.

But does that inclusion help the EP stand out? Let’s find out…

Kicking off festivities is the yet to be released ‘Leaving Shadows Behind‘ which commences with an ominous guitar/synth combo drawing us in – without a doubt serving as the band’s walk-in intro for future gigs – leading us up to a crispy scream from Jake Harrap as the tension lifts and we’re underway. The notable early standout is the three-way assault from guitarists Harrison and Josh, along with Jayden on the drums, who bounce off each other with precision like a well-oiled machine. As the song progresses, we’re met with all the hallmarks of a modern metalcore belter with plenty of djent-filled nods to bands like Spiritbox and BMTH, and that overzealous use of backing synths which kinda/sorta translate in a recorded setting, but would be much more appreciated in large rooms/venues. The lead up to the breakdown entices your full attention, but loses momentum throughout the slowed down section that follows. Luckily for the group, Harrison saves the day with a spectacular and rather fitting Lee-Malia-esque guitar solo.

The operatic synth takes us to completion before leading straight into ‘Decimate‘, where their continuation is welcomed as the flow guides us into a much more defined and smoother metalcore experience. Honourable mention goes to Jayden Dukes Grenfell‘s enticing drum fills and blastbeats throughout the number which are *chef’s kiss*. The alluring backing instrumentals walk hand in hand with the track as they lead to a rather impressive breakdown that’ll not only captivate, but raise eyebrows in the process as they borderline on deathcore territory. Jake’s blend of cleans and screams also don’t go unnoticed as he works with his abilities and proves less is more in this case.

Take a breath as we begin ‘Suffocate‘ with an increase in tempo and bellowing screams and gutturals bestowed upon us. Arkángel wastes no time in setting this one up as their big BEEFY belter that will without a doubt win them over a stack of new fans once discovered. The bass combined with djent scrapes – once again – are taken from the Spiritbox playbook, but work wonders complimented by the outfit’s heavier soundscapes. As for that breakdown? Ufffffff!!

With plenty of moments that showcase their complex talents here, the track also manages to transcend genres; breaching into almost black metal territory at times. Take note new-age metalcore bands – if you’re trying to stand out from the pack, you can remain in the ‘core genre whilst dipping your toes in other ‘heavier’ realms without sacrificing your overall vision.

‘Defy Me‘ has all the hallmarks of your A-Typical metalcore song with chuggy AF riffs dragging us into a heavy drop as the song title is screamed before the rest of the band kicks in. But don’t let that sentence through you off, it’s almost as if vocalist Jake has been leading us towards his time to shine, because his main character energy presents itself in remarkable fashion with this one. As he tip-toes between raspy spoken verses and unleashing hell in the chorus, his range is brought to the forefront and finally there’s a chance to hear his full potential with his delivery. Alongside drain-gurgling and gurn-inducing gutturals, demonic yells, mesmerizing riffs and blasbeats-a-plenty – not to forget the complementing amateur horror film music video – all of which make this track a guilty pleasure experience worthy of multiple spins.

Last, but certainly not lease, we’re heading for the ‘WARPATH‘ and all bets are off as the band play a ferocious game of cat and mouse between metalcore and deathcore instrumentals – making it not only impossible to pigeonhole this song to a certain genre, but sparks intrigue with how it’ll sound in a live setting. With both Harrison and Josh intertwining their shredding as Jayden unlocks god-mode around the 1:29 mark, the unrelenting assault on the senses is never diffused, only momentarily slowed to leave a space for listeners to catch their breaths before that thundering breakdown takes control with neck severing agility. BRB going in for another spin.

Having all five songs played back to back, the overall vision of Arkángel‘s monstrous EP is uncovered. Arkángel begs the listener to dive in from start to finish with each track increasing the tension from its predecessor while showcasing the immense talent between its four members. Despite the overuse of those operatic backing synths in the first few numbers, the EP’s complexity outweighs its faults and presents itself as a breath of fresh air within the local ‘core scene.

Arkángel‘s teases and dabbling in heavier territory has piqued my interest for future releases and I cannot wait to see where the outfit head following this release.