Review: “For Those Afraid To Die” by Ephemera

A third throw of the creative dice for Melodic Hardcore quartet Ephemera has earned them the support of the Morning Star Heresy Music Group as a a collective of seasoned musicians with a wealth of prior convictions strive to make this one count. They’ve all experienced the highs and the lows the underground scene has to offer, treading the boards with everyone who is anyone until their feet bleed as well as releasing three singles and three EPs in three years. There is no doubting that their sound has evolved since their inception, that much is obvious, but just how far are vocalist Mason Preece, bassist Adam Beard, guitarist Cris Baker and drummer Chris Jenkinson prepared to take it?

A bluesy, melancholic riff, a buried sample and some sparce drum fills make introduction piece “Origin” a surprisingly soul stirring piece that borders on hypnosis. A little of the riff is reused during the hard hitting first cut proper “For Those Afraid To Die“, Preece’s harsh yet emotive vocals build on a foundation of obvious influences in Every Time I Die, Fugazi and Continents. If you thought “Bleigh!” moments were old news, he nails one to the mast perfectly here as the band shift between softer melodic moments and harsher sonic abrasions, the dynamic nature of the beast incredibly clever. Vocally ferocious and yet stirringly melancholic with a huge drum sound from Jenkinson and shifting guitars from Baker, it’s contrasting nature is stunning. On the edge of going feral at any given moment and yet remaining unflinching in the face of clear and present danger, this reflective piece confirms that heavy is the head that wears the crown. Quite how four dudes from Bradford, West Yorkshire managed to convince an icon like Jesse Leach from Metalcore masters Killswitch Engage to grace a song on their EP remains as mysteriously wonderful as “Heaven” itself, the track playing out in vibrant Post-Hardcore glory. Melodic guitars dance over thunderous percussion as the vocals scorch the ear canals as if inked by Poison The Well or From Autumn To Ashes in 2003. In all honesty while some guest vocal appearances can be hit and miss, this one works incredibly well and is an unexpected yet unbridled joy as the words “I’ve found my heaven!” are screamed into the night sky. Increasing the intensity the bombastic “House Fire” roars, a spoken word becoming a throat shredding from the razor sharp teeth of a rabid dog. Emotionally charged and ready for war, this furious cut with its massive pounding drums and barbed guitar work rounds the EP off perfectly. A continuation of the narrative Ephemera have previously offered, this record is one that takes them to new hitherto unheard of heights [8.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Origin
2. For Those Afraid To Die
3. Heaven (ft. Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage)
4. House Fire

“For Those Afraid To Die” by Ephemera is out 12th February 2025 via Morning Star Heresy Music Group