19th June 2025

Review: “newviolenttrends” by En Masse

“If there’s anything I’d want someone to feel while listening to this EP, it’s a sense of urgency. Ultimately, it’s about finding balance within yourself and embracing the autonomy you have in a seemingly hostile world.” – Zack Santiago, vocals.

After five years and countless line up changes in 2023 Post-Hardcore lovers En Masse were finally able to deliver an impassioned debut album in “Burden Youth“, lifting an almighty weight from their shoulders. They did so as a trio with vocalist Zack Santiago joined by guitarist Jari Javier and bassist Peter Parkes and the record was so well received it opened the door for them to play shows across the east coast of North America with various bands including Loma Prieta and Dweller. Returning home inspired, in 2024 they recorded a follow up EP and used the skills of Adam Cichocki (Gatherers, ASkySoBlack, Casey) to mix and master. Citing influences as far apart as Glassjaw, The Cure and Poison The Well, the promises is of an aggressive, impactful and infectious affair…

Opening track “justthisonce” immediately brings to mind “Around The Fur” era Deftones with its aching vocal delivery from Santiago and crunchy yet melodic rhythm guitars, soaked in nostalgia and yet brought up to date with modern production values. It’s so much more than just a tribute however with those vocals being particularly striking and hints of keys adding nuance. Screamed vocal passages and more intense guitars gives “masq” more edge than the opening cut, the bold sing-a-long chorus an instant scratch card winner. The only issue with this track is that it stops on a dime and at 133 seconds feels like its a verse and chorus shorter than it should be, perhaps designed to be played back to back without pause for breath with another track live. After those sonic abrasions dissonance rises to the fore with “taketwo” accompanied by a lush vocal melody in the opening verse. That continues as the track inevitably bursts into life with powerful percussion that makes great use of the crash cymbals and Glassjaw inspired guitars. Lyrically Santiago speaks of a desire to crash and burn before a powerhouse finale of heavier guitars that calls for a scream that doesn’t materialise. That’s saved for the opening chaos of “celine“, a track which punches harder than the rest with a tribal drum fill breaking up violence for another soaring chorus, which borders on being dreamy despite the whirlwind of aggressive rhythms that surround it. A screamed final verse confirms that Santiago has far more vocal range up his sleeve and the fleeting polyrhythmic leads are a nice touch. All in all a really interesting prospect from a band whose reputation precedes them… [8/10]

Track Listing