Propagators of ‘cute metal,’ as claimed by Mellows themselves, Mellows adds to the Japanese metal community and their use of a dynamic of a melodic, kawaii aesthetic and heavy and occasionally frantic guitarwork. To that regard, Mellows isn’t doing too much different then a number of the groups around them, but there is one notable difference. That being that there’s not as much shtick to the group. Outside of the cute look (and the vocals), Mellows are all about shred. Something that they often utilize in the best of ways.
Opening up “Candy Making” with a notable roar should be all it takes to show that Mellows isn’t going to soft on the listener. Thick, rolling grooves contrast effectively with Mio’s vocals, and the group even layers some of the growled vocals atop the sung ones in the chorus as the atmosphere builds. Strong, headbangable riffs lead in a hypnotic way as the drum battery augments the intensity. Follow-up “mikansei” goes into more melodic and almost danceable territory at times, but Mellows doesn’t miss an opportunity to put in some heavier riffing to do some legwork, and a later solo doesn’t fail to impress even if it is on the shorter side.
The album’s most melodic cut, “Beat Beast,” sees the highest dose of electronics inserted into the band’s sound, but it works as a playful break between the more intense riffing that surrounds it, and it’s done in such a way that they don’t abandon the heavier sound that fills the remaining tracks. Another notable track is that of “Jumpink,” where feral, thrashing energy and a massive breakdown collides with a catchy, repeating chorus that definitely hits the mark of getting stuck in your head. The sheer contrast levels between the ‘cute’ and ‘metal’ portions on closer “himitsu closet” make for a thrilling end, with urgent thrash riffs halting for more melodic and atmospheric sections.
Some may look at Mellows as ‘yet another kawaii group,’ but their dedication to visceral, intense riffing makes them stand out. While cute/heavy contrast isn’t a huge shift, Mellows make it more their own and focus on the musicianship over the sheer kawaii aesthetic that some go for in the genre. Mellows can shred, and they want everyone to know it. Thus making alloy an intriguing first full-length entry into the metal world.