Album review: DEFECTS – Modern Error
Mascot Records [Release date 24.05.24]
‘Modern Error’ is breathtakingly raw with emotion. Conceptually, it is a deeply cathartic album that acts as a vessel for singer Tony Maue to organise his thoughts on the trauma of being taken into care at a young age. It’s his story, in his words. Threaded through the album are the experiences that Maue has been through, how the five members of the band are all connected, and why, at this moment, right now, is the right time for this band to exist. For themselves as much as anyone else.
From the offset this album was musically high in energy despite the lyrical tone of the album being traumatic thoughts. It was like being on the most exhilarating ride at a theme park but you just keep going and it just keeps getting better and better.
Through pain and anguish I have felt in my life I have to say my outlet is through music and this is exactly what was achieved. I could feel the passion and release of the inner demons from the vocal delivery. Many of the tracks resonated with experiences I have faced in my own life.
This album brought a showcase powerhouse of catchy choruses, thrashing riffs and double drum pedal to the metal. Absolutely mild melting guitar solos and the guttural metal vocals only to expected from “defects”. I still don’t know how people do it! It takes a hell of a lot of talent to be able to deliver metal vocals like that. The vocal range is absolutely insane!
The lyrics were passionate and delivered in the very way expected.. with absolute unapologetic bad assery. This is exactly what I love about metal!
Although every track for me was outstanding, the stand outs for me were ‘End of Days’ the lyrics “You think that we can accept our future drowned in regret, The lives of innocence Tormented by your sick ambitions” are ones that struck me to my very core.
‘Dream Awake’ not only was it musically and vocally my favourite track. But the lyrics “Am I dreaming Awake in this nightmare, Falling all over again Am I dreaming. Oppression we all share Its just too loud to ignore Anymore” are not only ones that strongly resonate but it’s just beautifully written.
‘Recurring’ this was just an absolute chefs kiss! Absolutely everything I could ever want in a track. The guitar solo on this was insane!!! Don’t even get me started on the vocals. I cannot big up this track enough. Favourite of the whole album hands down no contest!!
‘Broken Bloodlines’ man oh man! I felt this lyrically in the very core of my soul. I have been in a situation where this song rings so true to these lyrics. This is why another reason why I love music. It strikes a cord with each and every one of us.
I could genuinely listen to this album on repeat, and as a matter of fact. That’s exactly what I intend to do!
Out of all the amazing albums I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing so far this year. This one is hands down my favourite so far and surpassed every expectation. Bravo guys! *****
Review by Lucy Parr
UK dates
The Old Blue Last, London (28 May)
Asylum 2 in Birmingham (30 May)
Satans Hollow in Manchester (31 May)
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
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Power Plays w/c 11 November 2024
ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)
Featured Albums w/c 11 November 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)
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