Swedish melodic death outfit Distance Between released their EP Media towards the middle of last year, and just to make sure we all remember it’s out there the band have released one of the songs from it called Xenos.
After a prolonged period of silence, Xenos finally kicks in devastating fashion amid a barrage of drums and guitar that signifies intent.
By the time the vocals emerge we already know these guys aren’t here to fuck spiders, a point only reinforced by the sheer brutality of the vocal assault that borders on abusive.
Drummer Laura Hernandez has her work cut out for her and although it comes with only a lyric video I already have visions of her punishing her surroundings, sticks and feet flailing violently at her chosen instrument as she bashes the last remaining breath of air from its already desolate lungs.
Then Xenos throws in its first surprise as a beautifully operatic female voice rises from the decay and easing the growing tension only brutal metal can inspire.
A vocal breakdown of sorts rebuilds the tension before exploding in a fit of rage before the harsh male and delicate female voices overlap each other to create a sonic battle of light and shade where the listener can be the only winner.
Then surprise number two strikes as the previously soothing female vocals turn sinister and join forces with the dark in an act of submission that carries us through to the song’s conclusion.
Very effective use of vocal diversity!
