Earth Groans’ debut EP is quite the arrangement. Alternating between multiple genres including metalcore, math rock, and djent, the blend is incredible. From start to finish,
Renovate is full to the brim with brutal riffs, choppy, non-stop drumming, and aggressive vocal assaults. Not only does each member perform their part with extreme technicality, they also show intense creativity in their ability to pulse back and forth between different time signatures with ease.
The instrumentation is absolutely phenomenal. All the instruments flow alongside each other, carrying the intense sound of
Renovate swiftly throughout its duration. The guitars never drift from heavy distortion, resulting in an EP of relentless riffing of djent and groove never following a single time signature for more than a few measures. “Price Tag” showcases Earth Groans’ ability to perform precise, driving riffs, occasionally drifting in djent territory, while “The Estate” displays the creativity of incorporating high-pitched note slides exhibited in the closing minute of the song. Complementing these guitars are the pummeling drums of Earth Groans. Guiding
Renovate along the different paths of changing beats and rhythms, the drums mainly follow the metalcore style of drumming.
Chaotic. However, behind the chaos is a skillful performance, integrating multiple grooves into a single song; relying on the double bass during fast paced moments, while emphasizing impressive cymbal-to-snare coordination during the breakdowns scattered throughout. Songs like “Eclipse” and “Propaganda” show the impressive combination of aggressive, fast-paced assault along with heavy, cymbal reliant breakdown moments.
Following suit, the vocals are fierce. With no clean vocals,
Renovate is a straight-up scream fest. There’s not much to say regarding the vocals other than they are extremely harsh, following the overall aggressiveness of the album, yet they are surprisingly amazing screams at that. Never breaking from the harsh vocals, Earth Groans take their intensity to another level with such violent vocals. However, the lyrical content is almost ironic to such a style of singing. Behind the screams are in fact spiritually related lyrics, referring to God in many circumstances. With lines like, “
Oh carpenter, renovate the old so what’s old can become new,” the Earth Groans exclaim cries out to God to change their lives and build them up again. In other instances, they are marveling at the beauty of the Creator’s creation around them and how God bought them with a price. These blatantly Christian lyrics juxtapose such an intense genre, but in a surprisingly smooth and interesting way.
In all honesty, this is one of the best debuts I’ve heard in a long time.
Renovate not only shows immense potential, but also shows a clear and obvious talent the band has. Not only is the EP amazing as a whole, it remains consistent even with repeated listens. Although it isn’t the case now, Earth Groans shows potential of being a big name in the metalcore/math rock genre.
