In the stale genre of hardcore, numerous bands are emerging into the scene with nothing more than a generic sound and a fetish for breakdowns and basketball jerseys (Emmure). But the Canadian melodic-hardcore outfit Counterparts brings a breath of fresh air into the already overpopulated scene. Their debut full-length “Prophets” serves not only as a monument, but also a guideline for future bands in the genre to follow.
Right from the beginning of the record, the first track, “The Reflex Tester”, immediately begins to kick the crap out of you as Ryan Juntilla shows his skills behind his kit. They provide the perfect backbone for Brendan Murphy’s vocals as he yells/screams about staying true to yourself, finding who you are, and following your dreams throughout the album. “Goodbye Megaton” brings the heaviness with crushing breakdowns and dark guitar riffs as Murphy screams “Now is our chance to rebuild!”. Heavy as this may be, Jesse Doreen and Alex Re create some of the most melodic guitar parts written this year. The contrast between heavy and melodic is so prevailing that it gives you a euphoric feeling whilst listening.
It wouldn’t be hardcore if there weren’t a couple of breakdowns thrown in. And trust me, there are plenty for all you mosh-a-holics out there. Just throw on a pair of old gym shorts and start your windmilling and spin-kicking. The breakdown in “Only Anchors” will make you want to become an ADTR fan and “disrespect your surroundings.” If you aren’t sweating by the end of this song, something is clearly wrong with your sweat glands. But how could it be that one of the heaviest songs on the album is also one of the catchiest? Lines like “I’m standing my ground/ living for right now” and “only anchors can keep me from moving forward” will be stuck in your head for weeks to come. The quintet repeats this later in my personal favorite, “Sturdy Wings.” Thrashing guitars and tight drumming outline the framework until the break, which leads into the most melodic moment of the record. Murphy yells “this is where I belong/this is where we belong.” You will try desperately to get these lines out of your head, but soon realize you can’t as you return and listen to it another forty seven times. Album closer “Digression” provides the perfect ending to this epic as emotion pours not only out of Murphy’s mouth, but from all of members of the band.
Counterparts is still a very young band with an average age of about 18. But they have such a mature sound, even a classic metal-head could find something notable in their sound. Though the album clocks in at barely over thirty minutes, rest assured it will be played on repeat for hours.
Couldn't agree more.
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