Chuck Schuldiner Project

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Erra - Drift


Sumerian Records is a fascinating label - while they definitely have cultivated a sound over the years. Of course - Erra are a step beyond many of their Sumerian peers. While they certainly have a lot of that classic Sumerian sound they infuse it with all sorts of fascinating ideas, their emphasis on hyper melodic guitars, quasi-metalcore vocals and a powerful fusion of concepts to create something a step beyond the labels sound. They have managed to elevate the genre to something greater, more exciting and in many ways transcendent.

Drift captures my imagination because it has the colorful, overwhelming push of something greater. Is the execution always perfect? No. The band borders on masturbatory at times, but that doesn't take away from the bigger picture that they have helped to construct a sound that is hard to properly describe. The point being - these guys are incredibly fucking talented, and while at times they need to tone it down Drift helps to evidence a world of sonic triumph. To circle back though, I do want to emphasize that the metalcore-ish and pop punkesque elements really get to me. They bring me back to an earlier and simpler time and I have to say they make the album a powerful listen. 

Erra have always been a band who knew how to push boundaries and Drift sees their trademark sound opening wider than ever before. It's easy to get lost in what they have refined here, but at the end of the day I can't help but to love it. This is music for guitar nerds to be sure, but when the band plays to their strengths and emphasizes the internal terror that drives them forward you can't help but to embrace it. Though Erra aren't always 100% on point by and large Drift is a pleasure to listen to and pick apart.

Find them on Facebook!

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