Review Summary: Premeditate with me.
Reliqa is an Australian band that’s really making waves by mixing alternative metal, metalcore, and djent in a way that’s totally their own. One of the standout qualities about them is their infectious grooves that are super upbeat and packed with energy. Their sound draws inspiration from bands like Protest the Hero, but they manage to keep the technicality in check, perfectly complementing Monique Pym's vocals. It's great to hear some energetic tunes in the current alternative metal scene. "Secrets of the Future" definitely has its share of dramatic moments, but overall, it's way more upbeat than a lot of what’s out there. Reliqa definitely brings a fresh feel.
"Terminal" is a high octane banger, packed with beats that just make you want to hit the dance floor. The approach totally brings back those 90s pop rhythms—super energetic and catchy, plus those synths really amp up the fun factor. The opening track, "Dying Light," kicks things off with some nu-metal-inspired grooves that really amp up the energy. Pym shines with her commanding stage presence, bringing a ton of charisma to her performance. When she sings lines like "step into the center of the dying light," you can feel her confidence and fierce attitude, which is super engaging.
One of the standout features of Pym's rap style is the touch of distortion she weaves into certain lines. You can really hear it in the bridge of "Killstar (The Cold World)." Those little bits of distortion bring an extra layer of depth and intensity to her delivery. Plus, the wild guitar riffs underneath really enhance the whole feel of the performance.
In some songs, she even incorporates the rapping to transition smoothly between sections. For instance, in "Crossfire," she delivers the line, "I'm pouring all my energy in a final soul soliloquy, I love the way you balance me we're face to face till death," with a more somber tone. While many tracks on "Secrets of the Future" are high-energy, there are also some beautifully melancholic pieces that create a great contrast. "Crossfire" stands out as a touching song about overcoming challenges, with Pym inviting listeners to "premeditate with me," urging them to pay close attention. And let’s not forget her clean vocals, which are just as impressive as her rapping skills.
Her melodic style definitely has a Middle Eastern feel, and it really sets her apart from other alternative metal bands. The closest comparison might be System of a Down, but even that doesn’t quite capture it. Pym showcases incredible control and passion in her vocals. In "Sariah," the opening line "Light shines at my feet" feels understated, almost like she’s nervous about what’s coming next. Later, when she sings "Sariah, sing to me fill the void," it transforms into this powerful, ritualistic moment.
The standout verse on the album has to be "A Spark," where she delivers a climactic rap verse with lines like "I wanna be feminine and masculine and be motivated and calm," which is just breathtaking. Her delivery is filled with such intensity and longing that it really resonates with the audience. The urgency in her rap verse enhances the performance even more. Then the chorus hits with "Everything I need could be right here, slow the seasons and let me off," highlighting her struggle to embody all these aspects, reminding us that time waits for no one. The arrangements really showcase Pym's vocals beautifully. For instance, that guitar lead during "A Spark" amplifies her sense of yearning. The grand choruses create a massive, cinematic soundscape, all thanks to top-notch production. The sound is heavily compressed, which adds to the immersive experience. Every instrument shines, and the clarity is impressive.
A track like "Physical" really captures that high-energy feel that runs through most of the album. Pym's vocals paired with the instrumentals are just wild, perfectly matching each other in every part of the song. It all builds up to an epic breakdown. Pym is so talented that she doesn’t need to go all out with guttural vocals to make that moment impactful; her use of that subtle distortion trick working wonders once again. The bass really stands out too, which is rare in modern alternative metal, and it’s done exceptionally well. In the more energetic parts of the album, those slapping bass riffs bring a lot of urgency, with "Keep Yourself Awake" being a major highlight. No matter how you slice it, "Secrets of the Future" is bursting with talent that really deserves some attention. It's hard to believe that some people were disappointed with the album; it delivers everything you'd expect from the band and then some.
