The brand-new EP from Canadian prog-metal heavyweights ONI finds the band on particularly impressive form. Produced by acclaimed producer Josh Wilbur (Lamb of God, Trivium, Gojira), and featuring five new tracks, Alone sees the band standing alongside the likes of Between The Buried And Me and Protest The Hero, proudly flying the flag for music that has the technical nous of Dream Theater, the brutality of metal and the melodicism of alternative rock.
Open up Alone and you’ll think you’ve strayed into a Jazz record by mistake. Things soon resolve themselves, however, as the band unleash a blistering, elastic riff reminiscent of Gojira (with elements of Meshuggah thrown in for good measure). What helps Alone to stand out from the pack are the predominantly clean (albeit gritty) vocals from Jake Oni (reminiscent in places of Mudvayne), providing the band with a soulful, melodic edge that sits comfortably alongside the energetic instrumentation. It builds to a monumental climax, the drums stunning in their delivery, the virtuoso guitar work no less impressive. The dextrous Rift is an impressive follow up, Jake employing a much heavier vocal approach, although a melodic chorus is never too far away. Arguably a stronger track than Alone, the juxtaposition of brutal roars and soaring cleans, paired with a dizzying musical performance from the band, works perfectly here and showcases the band at their best.
With its nihilistic title, the unremitting savagery of Dead Inside should come as no surprise, ONI delivering a ferocious assault that, despite its melodic chorus, still maintains its taut pace throughout. With dizzying guitar work and shimmering synths, Dead Inside changes things up again, showcasing a band unafraid to experiment even in the context of a relatively short EP. The fast-paced Breathe Again notches back the aggro a touch, and feels like a potential single choice with its hook-laden chorus; although that doesn’t mean it doesn’t pack a potent punch. The Ep ends, and all too quickly, with the stabbing Faceless Portrait, a track that recalls the untrammelled might of ill-fated UK band Pulkas (once spoken of as the missing link between Neurosis and Pantera) crossed with elements of Dillinger Escape Plan’s spasmodic delivery. It’s one hell of a conclusion to a deeply impressive EP.
A wide-ranging EP that does much to showcase the wide range of influences that are woven into ONI’s DNA, Alone comes across like a mini best of, and the whole undoubtedly benefits from Josh Wilbur’s expert hands at the helm. Heavier than the band’s Ironshore debut, Alone just feels like a massive step up in terms of confidence and musicianship. A precursor to bigger things, Alone is a fine effort indeed. 8/10
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