Review Summary: Currents improve their already impressive songwriting and prove themselves to be one of metalcore biggest newcomers
With their 2017 LP, Currents have broken into the metalcore scene with one of the most intense debuts the genre has seen in a long time. "The Place I Feel Safest" was not only really enjoyable, but it was also emotional, well written and showed impressive talent and potential. But at the same time, it also raised a question: Where could Currents go from there ? Would they improve or would they - as with many bands in the genre - quickly fall into mediocrity and become just another stale, boring band trying to recreate their Magnum Opus ? So, while being excited for this release, I was also worried - worried that they would decline, but also worried that they would just continue writing songs that sound exactly like their latest release, just taking it the safe way.
But I did not expect this at all. "I Let The Devil In" is, in short, absolutely incredible. While clearly taking influences from their last album, the EP also shows both an improvement in songwriting and progress. With single and opener "Into Despair", the EP once again possesses the energy that made their last effort so impressive. Following a calm beginning, the song unleashes blast beats upon the listener before going into one of the most violent choruses Currents have written so far. The intensity doesn't stop until the 2 minute mark, when the vocals lead you into an insane breakdown before once again fading into the chorus, leaving you in awe of what just happened. While the lyrics are nothing to write home about, they are still conveyed in a great way through Brian Wille's emotional performance, making you feel the desperation he has.
Following this, "My Disguise" is the exact counterpoint to this. Starting quickly with a depressing verse, the track fades into an uplifting chorus which shows that despite all the suffering and the pain, there is still hope. Featuring a great solo and a catchy clean refrain, the song may not be as intense as its predecessor, but is still heavy and emotional.
Before the EP's release, Currents stated that no song would sound similar, and "Feel The Same" proves just that in an unexpected way. As the most melodic and softest track, it is vastly different to the previous songs, also mostly featuring clean vocals. With a heavy moment after the first chorus and a beautiful solo fading into the second one, Currents not only creates one of their most surprising, but also beautiful and emotional songs. At the same time, it also shows them wanting to progress.
The following song "The Rope" feels a bit more like a Currents track again. With a heavy beginning that soon goes into a melodic clean verse before once again fading into a heavy chorus, it would easily fit on "The Place I Feel Safest". This isn't anything bad though, especially with the incredible ending breakdown being propably the most intense and my favourite part of the whole EP .
With "Shattered" on their LP, Currents have already shown their skill to finish off a record on a high note and they do the same here. "Forever Marked" is not only an unbelievable ending, but it's propably the best song they have written yet. Over the course of 4 minutes, Brian Wille manages to show his most impressive vocal performance while being backed by stunning instrumentals. Besides an amazing chorus, the song also features socio-critical lyrics and a generic but heavy breakdown, which fits perfectly.
On their newest EP, Currents once again shows themselves to be one of the best bands in Metalcore. Brian Wille's vocals are amazing, managing to convey desperation and pain in a way only few in the genre can. Backed by incredible melodies, heavy but still melodic breakdowns and great drumming, all members show their full talent, but also their progress over the last LP. Despite this, the EP sadly also shows a decline in their production, as the vocals on some parts of "Feel The Same" and "Into Despair" aren't mixed well and are barely hearable over the instrumental.
"I Let The Devil In" is a great followup to "The Place I Feel Safest". Currents have not only managed to improve their songwriting, but also to progress. Releasing some one of their most creative and intense material yet, they have once again proved to be a band to look out for. Without a doubt, this is one of the best Metalcore releases of the year and one well worth checking out.
Recommended: Forever Marked, Into Despair, The Rope
