Review: “Yom-Ma-Lok” by Whispers

To anyone who witnessed their performances around Europe as part of the Flatspot Records World Tour it will come as no surprise that “Yom-Ma-Lok” from Thai Hardcore crew Whispers is a highly anticipated record. During those shows the band not only held their own as they shared stages with Speed, End It, Life’s Question, Demonstration Of Power, Day By Day and Mortal Form but also demonstrated the fact that their high calibre output is enough to put a hole in your chest. They’ve been around the block and then some with 2021’s debut EP “Narok Bon Din” making waves and having taken a moment to breathe, this new work thematically addresses realism and human nature through a global perspective. Citing influences in bands like All Out War and Merauder the outfit chose a pair of legends to support them with the award winning partnership of Andy Nelson at BrickTop Recording (Full Of Hell, Pain Of Truth, Wristmeetrazor) and Brad Boatright (Twitching Tongues, Iron Monkey, Cult Leader) at Audiosiege mixing and mastering respectively… so what do we have here?

A sombre, sobering melancholic riff gives “Bangkok Evilcore” a 40 second introduction to clear the mind of all ills before the band pulverise you into submission with a classic slab of 90’s influenced Metallic Hardcore, a fleeting vocal not appearing until the final 30 seconds. A tactic straight from the Kublai Khan playbook, it might not be as impactful as “Antpile” but it certainly sets the tone. The bass rumbles and the drums pound as Jem Siow of Speed lends his throat to “A Choice To Survive“, the second cut out of the gate an instant mosh pit starter. From the slow beat of the first moments which send out the call to the full on abrasions of the guitar work, Whispers ensure they make their presence felt by making this one count. Playing with tempo shifts and time signatures as they get their points across vocally, the fierce nature of this beast gets the party started, the lack of any accenting in the vocals making it feel like the outfit are from the US. Coming out swinging once more “Retribution” is instantly addictive, the pace and energy combined with the headbangable riffs an award winning combination. The truth is often stranger than fiction and while they band aren’t doing anything new, what they are doing is done so well that you can’t help but wear a huge grin while listening to it. There is even a solo in this one that… it might not be flamboyant but it is pretty damn cool. An ethereal moment acts as a palette cleanser before  “Close Your Eyes” bursts forth with an air of Hatebreed about it. The riffs flow thick and fast, the powerhouse kit performance also one to savour as it pounds your brain into submission.

Designed to bring the two steppers out in force “This Is Not The End” slaps you about with a classic riff that borders on 2003 era American Metalcore, the band pulling no punches as they tell us how it is in venomous fashion. The quality of their output is undeniable, a cut above what others in the game are pedalling. “Wisenheimer (You Were Never One Of Us)” finds Shaun Alexander of Demonstration Of Power taking a moment in the limelight to deliver another menacing and hostile lyric in a guitar driven setting. There is a little more accenting from vocalist Nitisart “Mike” Chaiburi on this one, benefitting from the assistance in lyric translations on the album done with Jem Siow of Speed. Descending into hell with the help of Stephen Bessac of Kickback, the title track “Yom Ma Lok” translates to “World of Death People” or “Underworld” in Thai and begins with the same ominous introduction riff that “Bangkok Evilcore” has. Here however the band slide into an altogether different groove with an acoustic guitar rising from the darkness to contrast harsh whispered vocals. It’s only a matter of time before the drums and electric guitars begin to rain on the parade and when they do the vocals move from being unnerving to unhinged in a burst of furious audio violence. Descending into acoustic guitars once more the band end their debut record on a sombre note, warning us that there is more to them than meets the eye [8/10]

Track Listing

1. Bangkok Evilcore
2. A Choice To Survive (ft. Jem Siow of Speed)
3. Retribution
4. Close Your Eyes
5. This Is Not The End
6. Wisenheimer (You Were Never One Of Us) (ft. Shaun Alexander of Demonstration Of Power)
7. Yom Ma Lok (ft. Stephen Bessac of Kickback)

“Yom-Ma-Lok” by Whispers is out 13th December 2024 via Flatspot Records