Review: “Mass Extinction” by Keep The Promise

Recorded, mixed and mastered by Luca Cocconi and Simone Sighinolfi at Audiocore Studio in Palma Italy, “Mass Extinction” is an EP from Metallic Hardcore veterans Keep The Promise after two full length albums in a decade of destruction. While it’s not a concept record in the traditional sense, it is a denunciation against those who would exercise their power to exploit human and environmental resources. A voice against the criminal and corrupt Governments and companies, this band will rage against the system until the bitter end…

That notorious and powerful speech from Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg backed by delicate piano serves as the title track and introduction piece for “Mass Extinction“, a fitting and timely reminder of just how fragile the World we call our home truly is. Other bands might have used this as an interlude but it’s very nature is actually perfect for the purpose it serves here, focusing the mind like a palate cleanser before the hard hitting Metallic Hardcore riffs of “Stolen Dreams” come in swinging. Stylistically taking pointers from the 90’s Hardcore of Biohazard as well later bands like Hatebreed, it’s clear that roots run deep for Keep The Promise with barbed tongued vocals that muse on Thunberg’s words and expand upon them. A call to the mosh pit “All The Same On Earth” follows the same lyrical theme while bringing in a few moments of real class. Chugged riffs once again hit lit a battering ram but it’s things like the pick slide that really get things going, oh so simple yet oh so effective.

“Stupid People On Social Media” finds the band joined by their first guest vocalist in Otis Artioli of The Wild Covenant and you only need to read the title of the track to know what it’s all about. Keyboard warriors get a verbal beating as the band throw kerosine on the fire and hit Deathcore levels of intensity. Straight to the point this vicious little ditty goes off like a nail bomb in a confined space, ripping it’s surroundings to shreds in a few seconds. “Closer Deadline” then sees the second guest in Emanuele Medici of Fracture join the party while the band get bombastic with stuccato riff infestations and tasteful aggression. A guitar drop out for a bass drive is clever while the Knocked Loose inspired dog bark moment will crack a smile on the face of even the hardest of Metal Heads. Evidence if it was ever needed that things don’t have to be complex to be a good time. A cover of the Machine Head classic “Ten Ton Hammer” might seem like a risk with the accenting on some of the vocals but this stripped back Hardcore inspired rendition packs a meaty punch and works well. It remains faithful to the original but is different enough to stand apart and will no doubt go down a storm live [7/10]

Track Listing

1. Mass Extinction (Intro)
2. Stolen Dreams
3. All The Same On Earth
4. Stupid People On Social Media (ft. Otis Artioli of The Wild Covenant)
5. Closer Deadline (ft. Emanuele Medici of Fracture)
6. Ten Ton Hammer (Machine Head Cover)

“Mass Extinction” by Keep The Promise was released on 16th June 2023