The Australian heavy scene is currently a breeding ground for some of the most innovative metalcore on the planet, and Central Coast outfit REPRIEVEЯ are the latest to stake a serious claim for the throne. Following in the footsteps of titans like Polaris and Northlane, REPRIEVEЯ have carved out a niche that feels both devastatingly heavy and hauntingly cinematic.
Their new EP, ‘Fracture’, arriving today is a forceful masterclass in controlled chaos. It’s the band’s first extended offering since 2019, and the blood, sweat, and tears shed during their 2024 recording sessions are audible in every distorted layer.
The potent collection begins with ‘Amaterasu’, a track that serves as a violent statement of intent. Cameron Little’s vocals are nothing short of visceral, slicing through a wall of titanic riffs and electronic textures. When that first damning drop hits, it’s a brutal, blissful cacophony that sets the tone for the remaining four tracks. The band’s ability to weave searing guitar work with thunderous percussion creates an atmosphere that is as suffocating as it is exhilarating.
One of the EP’s undeniable peaks is ‘Shadow Self’. It’s a track that dives deep into the murky waters of inner darkness and self-loathing, anchored by the psychological concept of the shadow self. Musically, it’s a gargantuan anthem featuring relentless guitar work and splitting vocals. What makes it truly stand out, however, are the floating, melodic intermissions that provide a brief, ethereal reprieve before the band drags you back into the dirt.
REPRIEVEЯ aren’t walking this path alone, though. They’ve recruited some serious talent to bolster their ranks. David from Belle Haven lends his distinctive energy to track two, ‘Pax Animi’, creating a brilliant cataclysm of sludgy guitar work and soaring anthemics, while the final blow, ‘Fire And Forget’, features the incomparable Monique from Reliqa on top form, carving out an atmospheric and fitting end. These collaborations add layers of vocal diversity that elevate the EP from a standard metalcore release to something much more expansive.
Between the gritty aggression of ‘Vile’ and the sweeping, electronic edge that permeates the entire record, ‘Fracture’ feels like a cohesive descent into a beautifully dark landscape. It’s a dark, chaotic, and unforgettable collection of tracks that proves REPRIEVEЯ are no longer just a "band to watch"—they are a force to be reckoned with.
You can dive into the full EP above, and for more, be sure to join the band on Facebook and Instagram.
