The follow-up to 2022's genre-hopping
True Power
,
Violent Nature
sees the Michigan metalcore institution continue to seek catharsis through decibels. Following the departure of founding clean vocalist
Brian Burkheiser
due to health issues earlier in the year,
Eric Vanlerberghe
has assumed complete vocal duties, both clean and unclean. The self-produced ten-song set bristles with nervous energy, landing knockout punches with uncompromising cuts like "Into Hell" and "Annihilate Me" that strike the perfect balance between brutality and brevity. While the band's predilection for infusing their Midwest hardcore sound with pop flourishes remains,
lives up to its name, anchored by a relentless core of rage and resilience. ~ James Christopher Monger