Strap yourselves in, folks, because you’re about to be smashed with a barrage of emotionally-packed post metalcore so powerful, that it’ll throw you through the nearest wall, leaving only an outline of your body, Tom and Jerry style. This is Halcyon Days, a Scandinavian quintet who only recently released their second single, “Keeper”, taken from the upcoming album Rain Soaked Pavements and Fresh Cut Grass. We featured the group’s first single, “July“, across our social medias when it was released, but with the release of a second single, it is time to have a closer look at Halcyon Days and their heartfelt metal.
What is immediately noticeable about “Keeper” is how damn catchy it is. Wasting no time, “Keeper” opens with a full-band effort where the group has come together to produce a sound which is entirely melodic, yet with enough gruffness to let listener’s know that Halcyon Days have some bite in them. And that’s just from the first twenty seconds.
The throaty, harsh vocals are reminiscent of the hardcore movement of the early naughties, sounding akin to the likes of Architects and A Day To Remember. In an effort not to overdo it on the screamed vocals however, the use of dual vocals has been utilised, with an entirely clean style of singing pairing with the screams. A common practice within the melodic metal scene, but hey, when it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Accompanying the mixed style of singing are some wickedly fast guitar riffs; tinged with distortion and dabbling in the minor key, these riffs are almost entirely melodic, packing a punch as they grace your earholes. Thundering drums and grumbling bass notes maintain the foundations of the single, with “Keeper” ultimately sounding ridiculously tight and well held together. Not a beat is missed, or a note out of place, Halcyon Days have produced a single which manages to not only get fans excited for their upcoming album, but adds to the anticipation already stirred up by “July”. Strap on those headphones and be whisked away by the brilliance of “Keeper”.
Rain Soaked Pavements and Fresh Cut Grass is out on June 15th and is available to pre-order here.
