Wraith // The Pale Hollow [EP Review]

Jaycob Page
Mar 2, 2018
3 min read

Release: The Pale Hollow [EP]

Band: Wraith

Area: Sydney, Australia

Date of release: 22/1/18

Genre: Deathcore

Reviewer: Jaycob Page

Record Label: Independent

Mixed/Mastered: Tom Cadden

For Fans Of: The Acacia Strain, Sworn In

“No scream is long enough to warrant escape from this unforgiving tomb.”

Wraith are a new heavy outfit from the harbor city of Sydney, Australia. Fronted by scene powerhouse and now vocalist Raymond Martin, more so known for his rise to fame from behind the kit with bands like Semper Fi and Gravemind. Wraith bring a deathcore sound with their own twist to our ears that is very Acacia Strain-esque in nature with homage to bands like Sworn In. What makes Wraith stand out from their aforementioned influences however is the shrill and harsh vocals delivered by Raymond and the instrumentals foot to the floor approach for each song, start to finish, for the duration of the EP.

First up is the intro ‘Abysmal’, setting the pace and tone for the EP. It is instantly evident that this band is heavy from the guitar and bass tone and the 20 second or so interlude before the vocals come in leave us as the listener wondering just where this is going. The vocals hit, frantically, perfectly phrased and placed. The change in vocal tone used, from meaty to shrill highlights certain parts like "Useless Fucking Useless" (Excuse the language) which I found engaging and captivating, making me want to pay attention to what is being said.

From there we move onto a track entitled 'Contention', again chaotic in nature, this song makes me want to strap on my dancing shoes and two step and mosh my way across any venue. This was the first single released by the band accompanied by a music video, (I suggest you check it out). The entire song could be considered a breakdown of sorts from its shear heaviness, I would suggest venues be wary as when Wraith role through with this one there’s a chance some damage may be done. Alongside the deep tone there are well placed squeals and samples that only compliment their sound aiding in making it the ‘Wraith’ sound that I would now come to expect for the remainder of the EP.

From ‘Society of Discord’ to ‘A Choir of Agony’ and then ‘Vestige’ the sound and direction of this band is clear, and they have established a sound. The combined experience of the members makes it feel as if the band is two to three releases in and long past any teething issues. I couldn’t personally recommend "The Pale Hollow" to heavy music fans enough. Wraith have made a statement, and I feel like that statement is a smack in the face, followed by a ‘we are here to stay’ type deal. I for one am extremely excited to see what’s to come from this band and am eagerly awaiting some more show announcements.

The final track of "The Pale Hollow"is titled ‘Euthanizer’. A track that doesn’t fail to summarize the EP for Wraith. It holds the pace and franticness that the previous tracks delivered, accompanied yet again by plenty of head banging, fist swinging, two stepping moments. From roughly 2:00 minutes into the song the development of something bigger can be heard. It builds until about 2:30 when the breakdown hits, a sound that made me want to break my keyboard over my desk just before I wrote this, until it fades out and winds down, rounding the EP off in the right way.

It is clear "The Pale Hollow" is a well rounded heavy release from start to finish, all that’s left now is for you to check it out if you haven’t. Give it a listen, and share your thoughts with the band and us, we’d love to know what you think too.