Every Enemy Alive released a new EP titled “War Within” on April 21st, 2022 and it’s got something for every alternative, punk, rock, metalcore fan in each track.
Fans of Killswitch Engage, All That Remains, Poison the Well, Thrice and In Flames will enjoy this EP the most.
Every Enemy Alive formed in 2017 in Bennington, VT and the current lineup is: Anthony Anderson (Vocals), Jake Dunican (Guitar/Vocals), Nick Ritcher (Guitar), Zack Primrose (Bass/Vocals), and Zach Ritcher (Drums).
They are listed as a metalcore band but their style has influences from multiple genres reflected in their music. Their style cuts across generations and at times it’s hard to tie a track to a specific era.
Each track off the EP was recorded and produced in bassist, Zach Primrose’s, studio.
Guitarist, Jake Dunican says,” This EP and our music, in general, is our therapy. We hope that our music can help our fans get through those hard times that everyone has, in the same way that it helped us.”
Some of the songs written were meant to address and advocate for those living with mental health diseases such as: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anger Issues and Bi-Polar Disorder. With each song, the band hopes to communicate to its fans that they are not alone.
If you’re in need of 20 minutes of music therapy to briefly escape the turmoil in our current social climate, need to scream, throw paint or just want to rock out in your apartment this is the EP for you!
Track one: “Thief”
Starting things off with an impressively fast and mesmerizing guitar solo, this track has hints of post pop punk with catchy beats and sounds reminiscent of early 2000’s screamcore. The dual vocals in this song pair well with each other and help in delivering the intensity of its message. The mid song breakdown with its drum solo is deployed with rhythmic marksmanship. It felt like the small pause one takes to inhale before they finally release a scream.
The narrative in the lyrics can hit home for some. Is the song about a toxic relationship with another person or one’s self? Battling another person or battling your own Identity or intrusive thoughts?
One vocalist sings: “Trapped inside my mind, what a waste of time…I will chase you away!”
As the other growls: “You are wasting my time!”
Track Two: “Don’t Start a Revolution (You can’t Finish)“
The world needs more metal protest songs like this! While it’s short at 2 min 18 seconds it delivers its message with a commanding roar of guitars, drums and unclean vocals. The lyrics speak of squandering freedom, corporate greed and killing what we create. It debates the question do we ignore or confront the issue? Near the end of the song there is a breakdown where the vocalist growls right before the song shockingly stops.
“There is no one around. No one is brave enough to start. We are part of the problem!”
Track Three: “Stories of the Damned“
This track really showcases the band’s technical skills and vocal range. It starts off with gritty electric guitars as the vocalists bellows. The drumming in this track is superb and one that fellow percussionists will respect and admire. The dual vocals blend the highs and lows in the lyrics and set the story line for the song’s characters. It’s a faster paced song with a positive beat and uplifting lyrics. It’s a refreshing break after the intensity of the first couple of tracks but don’t get too comfortable. The last two tracks on the EP will get your heart pounding again.
Track Four: “An Amorous Affliction“
This track is not your average ballad. It begins with soft, slow acoustic guitar with the vocalist faintly whispering in the background. Then drums and guttural vocals kick in with the first verse. It’s a classic metalcore song but with a slinky bassline and melodic groove that slowly pulls in this listener.
It’s a dual vocal heavy track and one that equally displays the talent of each singer. It’s not often you have several vocalists with different styles, singing back and forth that not only compliment each other but keep the pace of the song.
“We are the ocean, we will swallow you whole.”
“Viral contagion disguised as comfort.”
“Spreading like wildfire into the California sun.”
“Crying and screaming, can’t control these demons.”
Track Five: “Midnight Tragedy”
The lyrics in this track narrate a sensitivity and vulnerability in the story’s main character. One vocalist sings with a desperate plea, while the other screams in defiance. There’s a push and pull in the timing that creates an emotional connection to the listener and the lyrics. The breakdown between the drummer and guitarist after the third verse is exceptional but a bit of a tease. Just when the listener starts to move along with each of its notes, it softly fades away. It’s a well rounded song that has hints of various genres of rock and metal. The overall message of the song seems to sympathize with those struggling in relationships and to those that feel alone.
“There’s no relief anywhere, not anywhere at all,”
“From his or her passing stare, that’s staring into your soul.”
“Why do they always run?”
If you or a loved one struggle with OCD there are organizations that help:
International OCD Foundation (Boston, MA)
