From the depths of the metal scene of Bay Area San Francisco, Swept to Sea comes in with an actual bang! While, indeed, the formation of this band is as spontaneous as it can be, the music they produce is nothing more than genuine, potent, and packed! “Lost Shores” is an eleven-track project from this band, and upon my first hit play on this album, this just proves that punks ain’t dead. Just like the raging seas, it’s strong, and Swept to Sea is coming in to create more waves to demonstrate its power.
This album is nothing short of impressive, as the first track, “Exit Interview,” comes in; you will be welcomed with its burst of energy, instruments, and fiery screamo. The aggressive barrage of drums and guitar will leave a strong impression, and if you ever felt that you have been wronged in your life, this song is a perfect soundtrack. Each line thrown on this track is packed with venom like it is being shouted at someone who deserves every ounce of anger you pour out. There’s something cathartic about this song that would grow on you as you listen; it is loud, it is angry, and all these are punctuated with fast and hard-hitting drums—exactly the right way to open a banger album!
Now comes “Salvation,” which hits just as hard as the first track. Anguish screamo vocals? Check. Fiery guitar riffs and hard-hitting drum plays? Double-check. This track is way too forward for its time as it showcases desperation and a cry for redemption in the way the band performs this track. I liked the way this track is just a constant, powerful forward march with its production and instrumentation, just like the tracks “Verterunt Ad Mare” and “Trapped in Memories” that are also featured in this collection.
False Affections came in with a bit of a contrast from the rest of the tracks in this collection. On this track, the build-up is much slower; each note and flow is a surprise to be unfolded with its melodic guitar opening that gradually builds up into a storm of sound, punctuated with intense synths and hard-pounding drums. Listening to the whole package of this track, along with the pure chaos in the vocals, is definitely a satisfying ride. It’s giving off the “calm before a raging storm” vibe as it starts slow and ramps up with its energy. Lyric-wise, this track cuts deep too, with its themes about betrayal, broken promises, and the intense anger and frustrations that are definitely reflected on this track, which is why this is one of my favorite tracks on this collection.
And from one favorite to another, here goes “Testament of Hate,” with the fury of instruments that presents the song that is about chaos, war, and all the conflicts possible in this world. This track honestly felt like all hell had broken loose, and the intensity of that frustration and anger toward the situation is perfectly reflected in the instrumentation and production of this track. This song will keep your head from banging from start to finish—I love that it is unapologetically angry with lyrics that directly shoot to a case in point, no sugarcoats, just pure rage and honesty.
On the other hand, the track “Loss” is an instrumental track that carries a different set of weight for a song. Haunting is a word that is best to describe it, with the magic that the guitar work has added on this track, along with the combination of synths and beats that will pull in to reflect on a moment full of sadness and grief. Although without the power of lyrics, this track still carries this kind of heavy chaos, which is the power of the instrumentation that this band has. This song will demand your attention; it will demand you to feel, and it will want you to ponder. It is also the same with other tracks featured in “Shattered Glass, The Echoes of Goodbye, Shattered Glass, Nowhere to Run, and Who We Are, ” so check them out.
Finally, Lost Shores by Swept to Sea is a powerful album to introduce the band to the music industry. Not only does it capture the whole style of Swept to Sea, which is melodic metalcore, but this album perfectly encapsulates the emotions and vibes that this band would like their audience to feel and experience. Their sound is full of passion with each anguished screamo performance, guitar riffs, and hard hits of the drums. If you’re a fan of this genre, I’m sure Lost Shores is an upgrade on your playlists. It just hits so hard!
This release is just the start for Swept to Sea, and they’re already bangin’! To know more about this artist, give them a follow on all their social media accounts because, for sure, this band is the next big thing in the metal scene. Watch out for them! For now, check out their debut album, Lost Shores! A guaranteed must-listen! Stream Lost Shores by Swept to Sea now!
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About the Author
Born and raised in one of the 7000-ish islands in the Philippines, a self-proclaimed professional fangirl, with a degree in Biology. She probably annoy the people around her so much for not speaking and speaking too much. A frustrated writer, yes!
