It’s been three long years since 2015’s The Rising Tide and, although the internal Conflict boys have not been idle, it’s still mighty fine to see them back with a crushing new EP. The result of a year’s worth of development, Nothing Is Lost is bookended by two carefully constructed instrumental pieces written by guitarist Sean Rice and based on a poem written for his late grand parents. An emotionally challenging journey, best summed up by recent single Catharsis, Nothing Is Lost sees Internal Conflict step up their game yet further to demonstrate just why they are held in such high regard.
Opening with an emotionally-charged instrumental piece is a brave move for any band, but the short Nothing Is Lost provides an atmospheric introduction to the EP that showcases a more dynamic, even progressive side to the band’s song-writing that leads nicely into blistering single Catharsis. Vocalist Adam Kyle sounds positively deranged as he spits out the lyrics with a venom that is hard to associate with the normally genial singer. With Adam’s devastating roar complemented by Matt Hall’s clean tones, the pair deliver an epic performance, but this is an ensemble piece and from the gruelling riffs to the explosive percussion, this is the sort of mosh-pit flattening anthem that we’ve come to expect from Internal Conflict. Barely pausing for breath, the band head straight into the gargantuan For The Crows, which moves deftly from its stair-stepping opening riff to hardcore infused death metal without missing a beat. Memorable melodies and taut musicianship are the name of the game here, with melody more to the fore than on previous outings, not to mention some strong, intelligent lyrics for fans to get their teeth into. Things slow down a touch on the dense, dark Your Bones Will Fail, which opens on a doom-laden tone before Matt and Sean Rice unleash hell, as seismic riffs stacking up against Pete Lord-Murray’s throbbing bass and Dan Robbins’ pristine drums. It’s Adam’s voice that once again draws the attention, however, and the throat-ruining screams that predominate will cause the hairs to rise on the back of the neck as he pours his heart and soul into the performance. The EP ends, as it began, with an instrumental. A sweet coda, Nothing Is Past leaves the EP on a hopeful note and the use of synth and piano opens up tantalising possibilities for how the band might expand their sound on the next full-length.
Internal Conflict have earned a strong reputation thanks to their firm emphasis on quality over quantity. Where too many bands are tempted to rush out releases to remain in the public eye, Internal Conflict have honed their skills via live performance – laying waste to crowds at Hard Rock Hell, Bloodstock, Uprising and, of course, in their native town of Leicester. The graft has paid off and there’s an argument to be made that Nothing Is Lost is the band’s strongest effort to date. 9
