They Fear Us

Ithaca

I've been listening to this new Ithaca record quite a bit lately. It's not the most technically flashy, or maybe the most immediately catchy, but it's groovy, it's moody, and has a very visceral heaviness that is supremely satisfying. More than that though, They Fear Us offers a complete and fully realized listening experience. It begins angry, vitriolic, a reaction to the harassment and death threats the band received for taking an anti-racist, anti-homophobic, etc. stance that (much to my disappointment) apparently ruffled some feathers in the online metal community. Songs in the first half of this record waste no time with atmospheric intros or build-ups, they just immediately get to the skull pounding. Vocalist, Djamila Boden Azzouz, can barely wait for her presence to be felt as she often comes screaming right out of the gate. And holy moly, are her screams killer; that presence is commanding. In the Way kicks things off with dissonant panic chords and chugs, very reminiscent of Underoath. Later, there's, a pretty memorable breakdown with alarm clock squeals juxtaposed against ethereal layers of vocals. The title track has these super aggressive galloping passages where Boden Azzouz accents each guitar chug with a powerful monosyllabic holler. Then there's Cremation Party, the shortest track and yet the most relentless. In the song's final moments, the band slightly alters the main riff with these chaotic guitar stabs that are frankly terrifying.

Beyond this point, we start to get into more moodier territory. Fluorescent flips the script by opening with more angst than aggression. Djamila Boden Azzouz exercises her sung vocal capabilities before shifting back to her harsh vocals over a dizzying triplet guitar riff. It ends with a beautiful and elegant solo guitar passage, soaked in reverb and delay, making for one of the album's most serene moments. On You Should Have Gone Back, the band really exercises patience with a two and a half minute instrumental suite that is packed with moody atmosphere, the occasional tasty lick, and a pretty anthemic guitar solo. The final track unexpectedly has a bit of a dream pop vibe, bringing this album to a peaceful, hopeful, self-assured resolution that was really needed. This track features a wonderful guest vocal spot from Yansé Cooper who's soulful voice provides a moment of healing. And that about sums up this tumultuous record. They Fear Us is a super solid metalcore record from start to finish with nary a dull moment. Maybe the riff game could use a little work, but one thing Ithaca does really well is building a moody and emotional atmosphere that is really immersive. This one will likely end up being one of my favourites of the year.