In Hearts Wake‘s latest album, INCARNATION, marks a triumphant return for the Byron Bay natives, who first burst onto the scene with their debut album, DIVINATION, in 2012. This sixth studio album, released on July 12th, arrives in the wake of the announcement of the upcoming departure of long-time vocalist and bassist Kyle Erich. Vocalist Jake Taylor has described INCARNATION as a counterpart and sequel to DIVINATION, with each song inspired by the Major Arcana Tarot cards, exploring their reversed meanings. The result is an album that is both a reflection and a polar opposite of their debut, delving into darker themes while maintaining an upbeat and energetic sound.
The opening track, “Spitting Nails (ǝunʇɹoɟ ɟo lǝǝɥʍ),” sets the tone for the album with its rebellious spirit and powerful lyrics. Lines like “I’m stuck in a prison, with a fatal conviction. But when they start the killing, I won’t be the victim. Murder the system!” encapsulate the track’s defiance against the mundane and oppressive. This song is an excellent choice to kick off the album, immediately engaging listeners with its raw energy and compelling message.
Following this is “Hollow Bone (plɹoʍ ǝɥʇ),” a previously released track that continues to garner well-deserved attention. With its catchy chorus and impeccable production, it showcases the band’s ability to blend heavy instrumentation with clear, melodic elements. “The Flood (ǝɔᴉʇsnɾ)” features Winston McCall of Parkway Drive and is another standout track. Fast-paced and brimming with intensity, it incorporates clips from Australian news broadcasts, adding depth to its critique of societal issues.
The creativity of In Hearts Wake shines in tracks like “Orphan (lᴉʌǝp ǝɥʇ)” and “Gen Doom (ʇuɐɥdoɹǝᴉɥ ǝɥʇ).” “Orphan” begins with an anxiety-inducing intro and transitions into a unique pre-chorus featuring whisper-singing and dubstep-like elements. This innovative approach makes it one of the most memorable tracks on the album. “Gen Doom,” on the other hand, starts with a lo-fi beat before exploding into a powerful verse. Its commentary on technology’s grip on humanity is underscored by the electronic and industrial sounds that elevate the track’s impact.
“Shishigami シシ神 (ssǝɹdɯǝ ǝɥʇ),” featuring Katio Nagai of Paledusk, is a solid addition with its chanty, gang vocals, though it doesn’t quite reach the standout level of other tracks. Conversely, “Tyrant (ɹoɹǝdɯǝ ǝɥʇ)” is a high-energy, rebellious anthem that keeps the momentum going. The song’s tempo changes and industrial sound add layers of complexity and excitement, making it a highlight of the album.
The album takes a more sombre turn with “Feeding The Dead (ǝɔuɐɹǝdɯǝʇ),” which starts with an eerie beat and builds into a heavier, metal ballad. This track stands out for its emotional depth and contrast to the more aggressive songs. “Michigama (uɐᴉɔᴉƃɐɯ ǝɥʇ),” featuring Chad Ruhlig, David Gunn and Alfonso Civile, is an ambitious track with a lot going on. While the contrasting vocals add variety, the overall effect can feel overwhelming at times.
“Shellshock (ssǝʇsǝᴉɹd ɥƃᴉɥ ǝɥʇ),” featuring Garret Rapp of The Color Morale, is another strong track, starting big with chuggy guitars and a classic industrial/metal sound. The melodic verses and Rapp’s clean vocals provide a refreshing contrast, making it a highlight of the album. The closing track, “Transmission (uns ǝɥʇ),” wraps up the album beautifully with its old-school emo/punk guitar melody blended with heavier vocals. The track’s ethereal fade-out provides a fitting end to this diverse and dynamic album.
Overall, INCARNATION is a solid album from start to finish. Despite its heavy screaming vocals, the melodies are catchy and the instrumentation is expertly crafted. The production is crystal clear, allowing each song’s message to come through loud and clear. This album is a testament to In Hearts Wake’s ability to evolve and innovate while staying true to their roots. Fans and newcomers alike will find much to appreciate in this powerful and thought-provoking release. I thoroughly enjoyed this album and eagerly await its reception by the wider audience.
FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
INCARNATION is out now – grab a copy HERE
