EP REVIEW- INTERNAL CONFLICT- APORIA

 

British heavyweight metallers' Internal Conflict release sophomore album Aporia via PHD today (July 9th) ahead of a slot at Bloodstock Open Air 2021.

The follow up to the 2018 EP Nothing Is Lost sees the Leicester five-piece explore the themes of mental health and society's modern-day struggles with politics, media and the pandemic. The eight-track release continues the band's penchant for progressive elements, brutal breakdowns and dual harsh/clean vocals. Neil Hudson helped mix and master at Initiate Audio and Media studios in Northampton.

"Kingdom Of Anarchy" captures the band's despair and apathy through machine-gun drum blasts,headache-inducing breakdowns and melodic screams that help convey the feeling of loss to kick things off.

The anguish is caught on "Paresthesia" as vocalists Adam Kyle and Matt Hall trade between angry howls and discouraged melodies. The voices amplified by angular rhythms and galloping guitars that march towards their fate. 

Internal Conflict emerges with a sound that reflects many peoples' emotions and frustrations at a time when their voices want to be heard. This can be felt on the dark and smouldering "Bleed the Sky", a song that focuses on coming over the odds. Other highlights to take from an album that has its moments are the blistering and maniacal "Hollow Heart", The bone-crunching "Traitorous" and finally, the soaring vocal melodies and harmonic instrumental breakdowns of the powerful "Kayfabe" complete an emotional journey for the band.

Overall, Internal Conflict wears their hearts on the sleeve with this call to arms. The band write evocative tracks with relatable lyrics all through the dual vocals of Kyle and Hall, whose voices act as a conduit for those suffering from loss and depression. The musicians also contribute with thunderous drumming and tenacious syncopated beats to create a welcome acquisition to their appearance on the Sophie Lancaster Stage at Bloodstock this year.

Words By Anselm Anderson

Aporia is available now via PHD Records.

Tracklist:

1. Kingdom of Apathy
2. Paraesthesia
3. Atlas Down
4. Bleed the Sky
5. Hollow Heart
6. Traitorous
7. The Line
8. Kayfabe

Internal Conflict is:

Adam Kyle - Vocals
Sean Rice - Guitar, Synth
Matt Hall - Guitar, Clean Vocals
Dan Laffar - Bass
Chris Bentley - Drums

SOCIAL MEDIA

. Official Website: www.internalconflictband.com
. Facebook: www.facebook.com/internalconflict
. Instagram: www.instagram.com/internal_conflict
. Bandcamp: www.internal-conflict.bandcamp.com
. YouTube: www.youtube.com/internalconflict
. Twitter: www.twitter.com/IntConflict

"HOLLOW HEART"

( WARNING: THIS VIDEO CONTAINS FLASHING IMAGES FOR THOSE PRONE TO EPILEPSY AND SEIZURES)

"BLEED THE SKY"