Two news stories rub up against each other, move back and forth and strike sparks. We’re giving you a double modern metalcore banger that bring in a breath of fresh air in this already exhausted and overexploited subgenre of metal.
First off, champions of modern metalcore Sharptone Records have welcomed New Jersey based progressive metal/hardcore band SENTINELS to the label’s ever-growing roster of trailblazing acts that include LOATHE, DON BROCO, CURRENTS and OF MICE & MEN to name a few. In celebration of the partnership, SENTINELS has released a diabolical new song titled “Inertia” from their forthcoming, debut album to be announced at a later date. Watch the video for the track now!
Coming arm in arm are prolific metalcore progressives ERRA, who have released new single “Scorpion Hymn” from their upcoming S/T album – out March 19 via UNFD. Monumental riffs, enchanting melodies and cerebral, immersive soundscapes encouraged vocalist J.T. Cavey to experiment and explore new techniques on “Scorpion Hymn”:
Commenting on the signing with Sharptone, SENTINELS‘ drummer Dave Rucki says:
“We are beyond excited to announce our signing with Sharptone Records. The day the label launched, we knew that if there was a home for us, it was now realized. To have them backing us, and to even be writing this now is surreal. ‘Inertia’ perfectly represents the level of aggression we aim for in our music. With Josh’s voice, we were able to elevate that aggression and further convey the more emotional moments in the song. ‘Inertia’ is about suicidal thoughts and confiding in somebody close only to be told “that’s selfish”, then deciding whether to go through with it, or prove that you can overcome it to appease those around you. We have been a band since 2012, but now solidifying our lineup with Josh on vocals, we can confidently say, this is what we had always envisioned for Sentinels”.
Vocalist Josh Hardiman adds: “Sharptone, Sentinels, and the team behind the scenes have taken a huge risk on me, the gravity of which I most certainly feel, but the difference between this weight and my burdens since past, is that now with each passing day I become stronger and more alive. More and more equipped to handle and weather new storms for now I am living a life that I want to have gifted to me by those who believed in me. I will not fail with their continued support. This is a new beginning and I hope that everyone who listens to “Inertia” want to embark on this new chapter with us”.
The New Jersey quintet—Thomas Cardone [guitar], Chris Dombrowski [guitar], Danny Cruz [bass, vocals], Dave Rucki [drums, vocals], and Josh Hardiman [vocals]— cut their teeth with EPs “Idylls” [2013] and “World Divide” [2016] and cemented their signature sound with 2019’s “Unsound Recollections” which featured fan favorite tracks “Elysium” and “Déjà Vu”. Having proven themselves time and time again with boundless technical musicianship and dynamic songwriting, SENTINELS set their sites on conquering the metalcore scene with their hotly anticipated debut full-length that’s due out later this year from SharpTone Records.
Speaking about the new ERRA track, vocalist J.T. Cavey explains:
“The song features almost the entire spectrum of my voice. Producer Grant McFarland and Jesse Cash [guitarist] assisted on creating an ominous chorus that gets stuck in your head”. Cash adds: “The title refers to the fable of The Scorpion and the Frog, about the nature of violent instinct. It lent a means of having aggressive lyrics to compliment the aggressive style of the instrumentals. The theme deviates in the middle section with about 8 lines about self-reflection, hazy identity, perhaps imposter syndrome, and as final group of lines that summarize the development of jaded feelings towards aged aspirations”.
Determination and steadfast dedication have defined ERRA’s path, forging a unique connection with an ever-growing audience, without the advantages of traditional recognition. On their career-defining fifth studio album “ERRA”, the band confront depression, anxiety and desperation throughout. They take listeners on a near-out-of-body journey to Aokigahara, the infamous Suicide Forest of Japan; into episodic storytelling that would make Black Mirror writers proud; and into the literary works of Cormac McCarthy and Hubert Selby Jr.
“ERRA” was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Grammy-nominated duo Carson Slovak and Grant McFarland. It’s a definitive mission statement for Cash, Cavey, drummer Alex Ballew, bassist Conor Hesse, and guitarist Sean Price, each of them already well-respected players revered for their inspiring technicality and raw, natural talent.
Rising from Alabama, ERRA’s dedicated fanbase and online community organized around the band’s dense music and heady but relatable lyrics have helped further their mission, resulting in multiple No. 1 Heatseekers placements on Billboard. Previous ERRA albums “Impulse” (2012), “Augment” (2013), “Drift” (2016), and “Neon” (2018) saw the band spotlighted on tastemaker playlists, as the band’s Spotify plays soared past 72 million. And with vigorous worldwide tours under their belt, ERRA have rightfully earned a sprawling audience devoted to the Alabamians’ catalog, eager for each new missive.
As their music finds the balance between the crushingly heavy and the headily melodic, its members seek to find harmony between the needs of the individual and the natural flow of this shared reality. ERRA, as a band of brothers and creative force, strive to live in alignment with the present moment. “ERRA”, the album, represents redemption for the band, who emerged from the creative process with renewed focus, confidence, and certainty of self.
