Review Summary: There can only be one.
Let’s get right to it: Swancore is dead. I’m not here to belabor a point about a shipwreck where everyone saw the damn iceberg coming. The bands that were gone remain gone, the ones faltering faltered some more, and the rest of the field shrugged their shoulders and went down with the vessel. Hail the Sun miraculously evaded this catastrophe and, partially by default, became the reigning kings of a crumbling kingdom. Understanding how this happened involves wheels, talks of reinventing said wheels, laurels and whether they must be rested upon, Macbook jokes--the whole nine yards of Swan-Lore and how one collective survived the carnage. Make no mistake; though the scene’s implosion is as well-documented as the Costa Concordia disaster, the boys from Chico, California have
earned their position as the sub-genre’s resilient final boss. Their sixth LP not only stands as a triumphant assertion of the band’s enduring talent, but also as a perfect encapsulation of their mish-mash of Fall of Troy and funky, progressive post-hardcore shenanigans. To make things all the more enticing, Hail the Sun have opted to take these elements and shoot them out of a canon, leading to a blistering rollercoaster capable of providing ceaseless headbanging-worthy rockers.
Divine Inner Tension isn’t quite an adjustment of the group’s identity, but a glorious celebration of their career to this point. This not a copy-paste job, however; whereas
New Age Filth focused intently on a more pop-oriented methodology, the quintet’s latest attempts to merge that approach with the unchained technicality of
Mental Knife, resulting in a record replete with winding riffs, gorgeous melodies, and bombastic refrains that cap off impactful climaxes. Doing so cures what ailed those prior efforts--the predictability of the former and the gaudiness of the latter--and generates a lethal combo of memorability and thrilling instrumentation. Lead single “Chunker” embodies this tweaked direction, featuring intertwining melodic guitars that shred away on top of a groovy bass riff, ultimately collapsing into a massive chorus that highlights Donovan Melero’s robust tenor vocals, never once losing momentum or wandering off-course. The song’s second half suddenly swerves into gentle strumming that slowly vanishes into the distance, clearing space for the twinkling, math-tinged intro of “60-Minute Session Blocks”--an absolute banger that’s decorated with trademark Swancore tones and supported by another anthemic refrain that explodes from the rising tension portrayed in the verses.
Hail the Sun can still dazzle with instrumental wizardry, but their technical prowess doesn’t exist merely for show; it grants every track a unique identity, guiding tunes through shifting interiors that toe a delicate balance between pop brilliance and progressive metal adventuring. “The Story Writes Itself” manages these elements superbly, carefully navigating through dueling guitars, a reverberating bass riff, and lurking breakdowns, all while ramping up to crash into an uncannily addicting chorus. In its second half, the track deconstructs itself, eventually rising from acoustic strumming, chants, and Melero’s desperate screams into a sudden flurry of blast beats. Penultimate tune “Little Song” similarly distinguishes itself in a novel manner, utilizing a distorted melody and a groovy bass to orchestrate several tempo shifts, simultaneously venturing through verses decorated by a twangy lead riff. Rather than crafting a grand spectacle, the track’s closing minutes are a serene descent; after reaching an apex, acoustics take hold, quietly escorting the song away and permitting its emotional peak to settle in. This variety prevents the record’s heavily melodic, chorus-drive style from blending together, with every song possessing a different approach or unique journey en route to a soaring refrain.
The greatest asset of
Divine Inner Tension is likely its fathomless energy supply. From the erupting guitars and bouncing rhythm of “Tunnel Vision Alibi,” the album embarks upon a relentless pace that races through its 42-minute duration, establishing a level of vitality and aggression that stands unmatched by peers. Ranging from the unbridled assault of “Tithe” and its venomous screams to the imposing chorus of “I Saw You Hanging,” Hail the Sun refuse to ease off. Inserted throughout are bursts of raw old-school power that inject further adrenaline in the form of destructive breakdowns or transformative bridges--check the discordant ending that rips “Maladapted” apart or the aforementioned fury of “Tithe,” which is practically overflowing with a surprising level of rage. Melero’s vocals shine in this setting; the charismatic frontman has gradually improved since focusing more on his singing, with his newest outing being his most confident and varied yet. He still has harsh vocals in store--the finale of “The Story Writes Itself” demonstrates as much--but his distinctive tenor belting has been sharpened, capable of dominating the upbeat “60-Minute Session Blocks” or employing a softer, emotive approach on the acoustic “Feeble Words.” In a blink,
Divine Inner Tension has reached its conclusion, but the vibrant rush to that finish is a phenomenal experience.
Considering the dire state of Hail the Sun’s surrounding scene, hearing a release this impassioned and catchy seemed impossible. When reflecting on what all led to this particular juncture, I’m left to wonder if, after everything--the drama in the category, stabs at supergroups, diminishing returns, breakups, a lack of up-and-coming acts--I had taken the Cali crew for granted. It wasn’t long ago
New Age Filth altered perceptions, exhibiting an intensity that was far from expiring, and
Wake has aged wonderfully in the meantime. It really shouldn’t be a surprise anymore that the Sun gang have again impressed and surpassed expectations with flying colors. If there’s meant to be only one constant remaining in Swancore, unflinching while maintaining an amazing standard of quality, it seems appropriate that Hail the Sun rise above the label and all associated bullsh*t.
Divine Inner Tension is the sub-genre’s
Endgame moment; all else afterwards is for the Chico collective to determine, and in hindsight, there’s no better candidate to bury the trend. This is the sound of a band still resolutely in their prime, still delivering on a core sound that has gracefully evolved over their discography, and still staying afloat regardless of the changing tides. It’s all of the beautiful traits that have brought Hail the Sun unquestionably to the forefront of their field, and its unashamedly bright, gloriously melodic sound might deserve the year’s end crown when the dust settles.
