Carpathian

Carpathian's struggles have been ongoing since their formation in 2005, undergoing numerous line-up changes, but they have cemented themselves as one of Australia's prominent hardcore bands. With their first EP, Nothing To Lose, released in '06, the invigorated band have crafted Isolation, a well-balanced, mid-tempo hardcore album that lyrically focuses on vocalist Martin Kirby's desolate personal issues, as well as social and environmental issues. The title track builds steam that is unleashed in "Cursed," with chugging guitar lines, pounding drums and is sealed with lyrics of self-loathing ("I'll never love again. I'll never love anything. Not for one second can I imagine a retraction.") To break up the album, "Spirals" interjects vigour and a thrash-y intro that transforms into a hardcore chant, while "Deadbeat…" showcases the band slowing things down even more, offering another gear Carpathian can operate in. Isolation has all the elements of a masterful hardcore album: chugging riffs, stark lyrics and the ability to vary not just the breakdowns but the music.