The latest release by I Prevail—Violent Nature (Fearless Records)— is a sordid mix of metal and industrial influences that left me pleasantly surprised, as I’m not as familiar with the band as I should be.
I expected more on the metal side, and for the electronics to be minimal like an icing instead of a foundational part of the music.
Every song hits hard enough to move the pit and has the accessibility to make one dance. These elements are effortlessly woven into every song in such a way that appeals to fans of both genres.
I came away from Violent Nature a new fan of I Prevail.
“Synthetic Soul”
The somber intro begins with a dulled piano that carries sentimental lyrics where I expected crushing guitars and drums right out of the gate. This subversion of expectation acts as a buildup that is so satisfying when the heavy bombardment kicks off about a minute into the song. The slower tempo of the heavy part gives way to an electric beat with distorted guitars in the background that gives off a ‘90s industrial vibe. Once the chorus hit, I found myself muttering, “okay, I’m a fan. This is damn good.” Lyrics like: “I’m holding on to things I cannot change… it’s all for nothing,” is a bleak admission that is all too relatable.
“NWO”
This track is the quintessential industrial feel, as the uptempo rhythm coupled with the distorted guitars immediately made me think of Ministry. Lyrically, it’s a social commentary of the declining state of things. The guitars shine on this track, and I’m left wanting to hear more.
“Pray”
Opening with acoustic guitars and vocals, this track gives way to metal that hits as hard as it gets before the verse pushes back, as the lyrics are a reaction to institutions of faith that dismiss life’s hardships with regard to suffering. Lines like: “Don’t pray for me-Go save yourself instead-All your good intentions-Will kill us in the end,” pushes back against rhetoric that is often seen as unhelpful.
“Annihilate Me”
This will be a crowd pleaser. It provides a slower tempo and a bit of sentimentality that will have the listener looking inward regarding lines like: “I can’t change what I won’t admit.”
“Violent Nature”
This hate anthem is the heaviest track on the album, with guitars that will shake the room and destroy speakers if left unchecked. The angriest vocal delivery pivots from the previous song to this short burst of pure rage.
“Rain”
Melodic guitars hover just above the chaos of the rest of the mix, as the heavy opening drops into an electric beat for the verse. The lyrical description looks at drought-like conditions, asking for rain (or change) to take place. The source of suffering circles back to this deep rooted search for meaning.
“Into Hell”
Electric drums and a soft keyboard creates an atmosphere for the verse before the chorus rips into something heavy. The subject here is of a complicated relationship coming to an end while hoping for a different outcome in the name of sunk cost.
“Crimson And Clover”
This sentimental song is solely driven on acoustic guitar and atmosphere. This song touches on the end of a relationship as well, where one partner struggles with addiction.
“God”
The scathing rhythm carried by aggressive drums and distorted guitars is of the heaviest offerings on this record, and is destined to be an absolute crowd pleaser live.
“Stay Away”
Electric beats resonate through the verse, and industrial elements are used here. The concluding track is my personal favorite for what feels like an authentic slow burn that claims independence. The vocal delivery is haunting and the rhythmic play on drums is just solid fun.
Tracklist
- Synthetic Soul
- NWO
- Pray
- Annihilate Me
- Violent Nature
- Rain
- Into Hell
- Crimson & Clover
- God
- Stay Away
Get Album
https://ffm.to/ip_violentnature_album
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