Great Reversals

Mere Mortals

BY Branan RanjanathanPublished May 9, 2016

8
Great Reversals have found an ideal balance on their debut LP between the influence they draw from the metalcore titans of yore and a more contemporary sound, pushing the 11 tracks on Mere Mortals well past what is expected of a fledgling band.
 
For all of the Integrity-esque chugging and thundering breakdowns found on heavier tracks like "Colosseum" and "Mouths to Feed," Great Reversals successfully incorporate instances of melody throughout the record. "Take This Life" uses textured chords in the verses, and interludes like "The Stairwell" employ layers of reverberating leads. "Dead of Winter" stands out above the rest as not only the most intense song here, but also the one with the most variety, dipping in and out of seamless rhythmic shifting while pairing melodic breaks with equally powerful slams.
 
Mere Mortals is set apart by dynamic structuring and stellar production, making for a thoroughly engaging listen from front to back, and a lasting first impression from Great Reversals.
(Independent)

Latest Coverage