VOWER’s EP ‘Apricity’ is an interesting prospect, a debut release that’s attracting considerable hype among some while barely registering among others. That’s because it is the new project by members of some of the most criminally underrated bands the UK has produced in recent years; Black Peaks, Palm Reader, and Toska. They may never have ended up headlining arenas, but each has its special place in the collective heart of the UK’s heavy music scene. Indeed, watching any of these bands at ArcTanGent or 2000 Trees could sometimes feel like a headline act in its own right.
One particularly tantalising prospect is the return of Joe Gosney and Liam Kearley of Black Peaks, one of the UK’s finest metal bands of the last decade who sadly called it a day in 2021 after two impeccable records. Guitar maestro Rabea Massaad – previously of Brighton instrumental metallers Toska – brings his musical prowess to proceedings, while bass player Rory McLean and vocalist Josh McKeown – the latter soon to be formerly of Palm Reader who have one final show left before they split – round off the stellar lineup.
So what does it sound like when some of the UK’s finest metal and post-hardcore musicians get together in a studio to make a racket? It’s probably little surprise that it sounds incredible. This record will be catnip to fans of Black Peaks and Palm Reader in particular, blending crushing heaviness with soaring melody. Even if the names of these bands mean nothing to you, if you like heavy music with a dash of melody chucked in for good measure, you’ll absolutely adore this EP.
‘Shroud’ opens with a low and slow riff while the vocals of Josh McKeown fly between growls, yelps, and melodic cleans. McKeown – already a standout performer on Palm Reader’s catalogue – gives perhaps his best performance on record to date across the EP’s four-track run.
‘In the Wake of Failure’ is a more melodic affair, an expansive and progressive track with an absolutely colossal chorus that’ll surely sound unbelievable live. ‘False Rituals’ is perhaps the standout, starting off similarly before giving way to pure brutality, while the guitar work of Gosney and Massaad is superb, cutting between harmonious winding cleans and low-end heaviness. ‘Eyes of a Nihilist’ sees the EP out with more progressive post-hardcore brilliance, and will have you reaching to press replay.
Whether you’re looking to fill the hole in your heart vacated by Black Peaks, Palm Reader, or Toska, or simply want some new heavy music to get your teeth stuck into, VOWER is without a doubt one of the most exciting new bands of 2024. With just four tracks and a runtime of under 20 minutes, ‘Apricity’ is a huge statement of intent, and we can’t wait to hear what’s next.
ASH BEBBINGTON