Album Review: The Valiant - This Is Just The Beginning EP
Formed in 2009, this is one of the more exciting metalcore bands to follow in the wake of giants such as A Day To Remember, and do it just as well. The Valiant take the best bits of metal and pop-punk and mash it all together to create a sound which is catchy, fresh and not forgetting heavy in all the right places. 'This Is Just The Beginning' is everything you could ask from an EP.These lads don't mess about, and get straight to the point with opener 'Anything Means Anything'. Brutal screams, swirling guitars and blast beats lead the way, swiftly followed by clean vocals and more hooks than you could hope for. A brilliant opening track, and one of the strongest on the EP. 'Bare Witness' isn't quite as melodic as the previous track. The clean vocals on the chorus helps everything gel together but it still doesn't flow quite as well, and is one of the more mediocre offerings from the Southampton five-piece.
Interlude 'Damnation' features a piano and strings along side the typically heavy guitars and drums. It could have gone so badly wrong as it usually does for most bands, but The Valiant keep it short, sweet and interesting. Thank God. And then it's back to what the do best in 'Home Of The Grave', another hook-laden, wonderfully heavy track, albeit with some slightly clichéd lyrics. Final track 'Today Is The End' is one of the heavier tracks on the EP and features some more technical and original guitar riffs, but is still just as catchy, and definitely ends the album on a high.
'This Is Just The Beginning' is a very impressive EP from a band with bucket-loads of potential. Having already played with some big named acts, I'm sure it won't be long until you see The Valiant on some huge tours. Despite a few weak moments, the majority of this record is brilliant, and personally I can't wait for a full-length from these boys.
4/5
This Is Just The Beginning' EP by The Valiant is available now.
The Valiant on MySpace, Twitter and Big Cartel.
Blaise Ruston
