German act Rising Insane has been honing their sound for the last three albums, with the soon to be released Wildfires being a point where they wanted to take things a bit further. Reaching beyond just the usual metalcore boundaries, the group embraces a wider variety of influences while still delivering a sound that is rooted in their earlier days, providing a more modern and uplifting sound than many of their peers while still being able to bring some heavier moments in when needed.
Opener “Reign” seems to set the tone for the album, with it’s thundering and swinging grooves, dips into electronic territory, and an effective balance of frantic and melodic. There’s a mix of post-hardcore and metalcore at work that scratches an intriguing itch, some moments wouldn’t seem out of place on a hard rock radio station, yet the song also taps into some heavier moments that should satisfy the more die-hard metal fan. That said, the follow-up “Monster” feels more dance-friendly, being more thoroughly drenched in electronics and melodic hooks, though it does bear more teeth in its second half. A wise choice for a single to help the group stretch their boundaries (and fanbase). “The Door” starts quietly and has a almost cinematic feel in how it slowly increases the intensity in its melancholic nature. “Malicious,” “Carousel,” and the title track work as some nice, groove-heavy counterparts to the melodies, featuring a bit more ferocity in the riff department but avoiding going too far to keep a sense of unity through the album. Of course, having some songs that blend between the two, such as “Bet on Me” and “Warning,” which hit more of a melodic metalcore sweet spot.
Moving between more catchy and heavy soundscapes, Wildfires succeeds in creating a more unique space in the modern metal landscape. Rising Insane have tapped into a hooky formula that still satisfies with it’s heaviness and atmosphere. Where they can take it from here will be worth investigating.