Album Review: Like Moths To Flames - Sweet Talker

Hailing from Dayton, Ohio, US metallers Like Moths To Flames have been newly signed to Rise Records and are ready to jump into the deep end with their new EP ‘Sweet Talker’.

With a slick fade into the intro, ‘Your Existence’ is an explosive beginning to the EP. This high-octane track just oozes energy and sets a tone that is pretty similar to the likes of Greeley Estates and Bring Me The Horizon. Leading in with heavy guitars and a pounding bass drum, this is the opener Like Moths To Flames were looking for.

The pace continues with the following track, ‘Real Talk’, however, the introduction of clean vocal parts adds an interesting element that you probably weren’t expecting. This versatile sound echoes the likes of Saosin [maybe] and early Underoath tracks; either way ‘Real Talk’ is certainly a favourite on the EP.

Chris Roetter’s vocals shift from brutal scream to menacing growl in many places throughout the EP, none more so than in ‘Death Cup’ and ‘Bloodsport’ where a variety of influences are thrown into the mix. Whether it’s the frantic guitar, supreme drumming or intricate compositions, these tracks are a pretty good example of how “hardcore” should sound.

Finally, the EP finishes in the same vain as it begins; ‘Dead Routine’ follows that tried and tested formula of power and energy throughout the bulk of the track, then at the end, the pace is slowed right down with a dark and atmospheric outro culminating into a really strong ending.

Like Moths To Flames emerged from the amalgamation of vocalist Chris Roetter and four previous members of Terrafirma; whilst ‘Sweet Talker’ has a very classic sound that is typical with a lot of “metalcore” bands, these guys has proven that energy, excitement and sheer heavy metal can produce a solid album that will get you listening again and again.

3.5/5

‘Sweet Talker’ by Like Moths To Flames is available now through Rise Records.

Like Moths To Flames on MySpace and Twitter.

Sandeep Dawett