Review: “The Traitor” by Nulled

Emerging from the Spanish Metalcore scene in 2018, Nulled have long been on a mission to put the Basque region back on the map when it comes to heavier sounds. Powerful riffs and rich melodies are their stock in trade as they wear their influences on their collective sleeves with pride. Their debut EP “Pointer Exception” got the ball rolling before a near hour of power was ushered forth with 2022 debut album “Strokes Of Reason“, the promise of more variety with their sophomore album making it an intriguing prospect…

Combine the artwork with the cinematic 80’s science fiction style introduction that is “65432” and you might find a mental image of hooded figures gathering around a virgin prepared for sacrifice, their heads bowed in silent prayer. The tension of the atmospheric is cut by a sudden roar and thunderous breakdown section, somewhere between the heavy end of Metalcore and Deathcore, thus completing the picture and setting the tone with a bloodstained tragedy. The surprise is that opportunity to offer up something viciously heavy is then passed up, the band opting to take the path less travelled with “Dreams“. Modern Metalcore with flavours of August Burns Red are at the heart of the matter, however this one is far more diverse with 80’s style synths and even a couple of clean vocal moments wrapped around the heavier framework as the band cover a lot of ground. The drum sound is pummelling as DJent fuelled riffs elevate “Embracing The Darkness” during the first verse, the bands technical abilities shining through the darkness in nuanced form. As the track plays out the soundscape then evolves into something akin to “Alien” era Northlane, a spoken word moment and some powerful staccato riff breaks hitting hard before another rich chorus. For the purists it might be too heavy for Metalcore fans and too soft for Deathcore fans but variety is the spice of life and they will be missing out.

Sombre and sobering “Pt.1 Love” feels like the dull ache of the morning after the collapse of a relationship, the delicate space age synths providing the backbone of the track while a brutal verse in the centre of the track decimates without losing any of the atmosphere. Cleverly constructed with a real grit and integrity, it flows into “Pt.2 Rage” as if the two were separated at birth, the unclean vocals giving the impression of multiple voices with changes in pitch. A brutal roar and a shriller throat scraping tone emanate from the mouth piece of a vocalist who has complete control of his output, the swirling riffs making for the perfect foil. Brooding and aggressive this one will put plenty of bounce in the mosh pit, the band dispensing with the desire for a clean chorus and instead going all out bludgeon with the breakdown in the final third. The only issue with this stand out cut is that the little moments of lead that bring it to its bitter end aren’t made more of because they’re classy to say the least. A Gothenburg Sound inspired Metalcore cut then rears its ugly head with “Toxic Bind“, the band layering up clean and unclean vocals alongside a plethora of breakdowns. The dirge laden riffs are tastefully done and the accenting on the vocals adds charm but as good as it is, there is that nagging feeling that you might have heard it before. Not that that is necessarily a problem because what Nulled have pieced together is effortlessly slick and enjoyable in spite of that. “Heal” continues in the same vein, throwing away the cleans once more and offering a desperate cry to a wrathful God for mercy from the pain that crushes the soul in energetic fashion. Another solid cut, this one is laced with mournful qualities and begs to be heard.

Throwing fuel on the fire “The Traitor” then increases the intensity and takes the record to a whole new level of heavy. Circling Deathcore like a vulture, the breakdowns get bigger and bolder very quickly as a caustic vocal performance accompanied by artillery shelling drumming brings home the bacon. A barbed cut of huge proportions, this stone cold winner has everything you could want in a heavy Metalcore track and the kitchen sink. “Mind Ruler” finds Diego of Teksuo joining the party and offering guest vocal performance that elevates as Nulled once again go hell for leather on a heavier cut. Rallying cries of “with propaganda you will be under control!” feel like they’re coming from South America and their chant along ability ends up making it a real anthem wrapped in punchy guitars. If you thought that the quintet might tone things down for their final burnt offering of a sophomore album that demonstrates maturity in composition and solid production then you’d be sorely mistaken. Instead the adrenaline rush continues in earnest with a skull battering tune to help you breathe more easily in “Survive and Suffer“. Melancholic leads and a little synth are a fitting conclusion as the end wraps around to the start once more… [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. 65432
2. Dreams
3. Embracing The Darkness
4. Pt.1 Love
5. Pt.2 Rage
6. Toxic Bind
7. Heal
8. The Traitor
9. Mind Ruler (ft. Diego of Teksuo)
10. Survive and Suffer

“The Traitor” by Nulled is out 16th February 2024 via Art Gates Records