Chicago band Repentance lead us on a captivating journey through the depths of human emotions and the struggles of existence. Expect aggressive riffs, powerful vocals and thought-provoking lyrics in a groove metal meets thrash sound that they describe as “Power Groove Aggression.”
Repentance was founded by former Soil and Dirge Within guitarist Shaun Glass who, in 2018, began writing music with fellow Dirge Within bassist Mike Sylvester and Them guitarist Markus Johansson. Nonpoint drummer Robb Rivera introduced Stuck Mojo frontman Robby J. Fonts, which saw the initial Repentance lineup completed.
The band made its live debut opening up for Trivium – as you do – before shows alongside the likes of Devildriver and Jinjer. They released their debut single Enter The Gallows in October 2018 then quickly recruited Soulfly and Straight Line Stitch drummer Kanky Lora.
On those early days, Shaun told us: “It came together very naturally, which was a very cleansing experience. At this point in my life, I was hoping to start working and creating new music with an almost entirely new group of people and this crew organically locked into place.
“The band’s sound is definitely very aggressive, pummeling metal. Everyone brought their own style to the table and the uniqueness of each helped to shape our sound. We created a style that we enjoy ourselves first and foremost.”
The band is now completed by Adam Gilley (vocals), Eric Burns (guitars), Eric Karol (bass) and Brandon White (drums) who, alongside Shaun, aim to bring the best of classic American thrash with elements of European melodic death metal and modern hardcore.
Our latest taste of this is Repentance’s crushing second album The Process Of Human Demise, which was released at the start of this month. The album kicks off with a vicious punch to the gut courtesy of Buried By Fear, which opens up with a delicious chugging riff that kicks into life with driving drums and a big guttural scream. Fast-paced vocals take over before a vicious chorus. Guitars take centre stage with a twisting solo that drops into huge screamed vocals, then a winding little lick sets up a heavy outro. Check it out in the lyric video here:
That’s followed by Withered & Decayed, which features Fear Factory vocalist Milo Silvestro. It dives straight into a cool darting riff then intense vocals lead into a more melodic chorus. A second chorus gives way to heavy guitars, then huge screams supporting the twisting guitars, before setting up heavy renditions of the chorus. That’s followed by the huge Reborn, which features Trivium guitarist Corey Beaulieu. Chugging guitars open up before a delicious little spinning lick sets up an intense first verse supported by chugging guitar chords and driving drums. A second chorus ends with chugging guitars before Corey takes over with a delicious solo.
On the track, Adam says: “When I first heard the track for Reborn, I knew I wanted to be a part of Repentance. This song is a straight punch to your face. I love the intensity of this song and Corey absolutely shreds on the guest solo. So whether you’re at home, work, the gym, CRANK this!” Check it out in the lyric video here:
The album continues to deliver with its superb title track The Process Of Human Demise. Laid-back guitars open up then explode into intense vocals and lively guitars, then stabs of guitar support heavy screams. And there’s much more where that came from with massive tracks like A Future Untold, No Innocence and the superb final track Venom Inside. And for even more of a taste of what this superb album has to offer, check out their most recent video release Down In The Water.
On the album, Shaun told us: “People should expect a punch to the throat, an intense energetic audio assault of METAL. It’s a more mature and thought-out album overall. The debut was with a different lineup so obviously this album, aside from me, has new players, which shows a natural growth in the band’s sound but yet retains true to form. The response has truly been beyond our expectations. It’s flattering, to be honest, the response and reviews have been amazing!”
Shaun names his three biggest influences as guitarists Dimebag Darrell, Chuck Schuldiner, James Hetfield, who helped him “mold my own style in riffage.”
And on what inspires them to write music, he explains: “Life and emotions we all deal with. Reality with the things we see in daily life. We leave the songs open to interpretation for the listener to enjoy and embrace.”
The Process Of Human Demise is out now through the German label Noble Demon Records. And there’s plenty more to come from Repentance, who just played a show in Milwaukee with another of our former featured artists, Swedish band Orbit Culture.
And Shaun adds: “Please keep spreading the gospel of Repentance – we wouldn’t exist without you the fans who keep spreading our music.”
You can follow Repentance on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and check out their music on Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music and Amazon.
Listen to Repentance on our Spotify playlists GigRadar Core and GigRadar Metal
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