80’s rock, synthwave, video game music, and metalcore might not be the first combination that you think of, but it’s one that Finnish act One Morning Left has come to embrace over the years. The appropriately named Neon Inferno is the band’s fifth album, and while some of the fun of a band like Electric Callboy can come to mind at times, it’s safe to say that the group have made their way into one of the most quickly identifiable and unique sounds within the modern metal umbrella. If you enjoy any of the above subgenres of music, chances are you’ll find something to enjoy here.
One Morning Left have a sound that’s certainly not the norm. The electronic elements are prominent and make up a solid portion of the band’s musical identity. If that’s something you can get behind, prep yourself for an energetic and fun experience. Opener “Emerald Dragon” drops you right into this particular groove. Big, bombastic synths that feel cut directly from the synthwave scene, driving heavy riffs, effective drum battery, and a combination of both screamed and sung vocals that weave through more metallic ‘core segments (which border on melodeath) and some soaring melodies that hit in the chorus. “Tonight” brings some heavier danceable grooves to the electronic section, and a chorus that instantly makes its presence known and won’t let go of your attention.
The band dabbles in a variety of different directions as the album moves ahead, from the more pop/rock driven such as “3,2,1 Go” and “Summerlovin” which build up some almost danceable and sing-a-long elements and others like “Tokyo Love” and “Ride Till I Die” that move in a more frenetic, metal direction with a stronger emphasis on guitarwork being intertwined to the soaring synths. A very fun and video game-y sounding cover of “Beat It’ hits all of the right notes, particularly as it fuses that tone with moments of heaviness. Likewise, the very 80s feel of “Maverick” melds some heavy riff moments with some gentle melodies.
Ultimately, the strongest element of Neon Inferno is how downright fun it is. The upbeat synths and very 80s feel gives it a strong hook for the guitars to latch onto, creating a feeling that embraces retro to its fullest while bringing it forward to the current times with an undeniable heaviness at times. It’s a sound that feels full of energy and promise, and One Morning Left have a strong grapple on how to use it wisely.
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