Track Review: “Radio Bleed” by Survivalist

Having already made our ears bleed this summer with scorching single “Deathbed“, a track which features the all to familiar tones of former Chelsea Grin vocalist Alex Koehler, Belfast natives Survivalist have returned for a highly anticipated second round knock out. The four piece, who comprise vocalist Gavin Edward Sharp, guitarist Nick Butcher, bassist Lee Shaw and drummer Rhys Fraser have been turning stages to sawdust with their blend of groove orientated Deathcore, their 2021 album “VII” not only placing them on the map but burying their flag in the landscape. Returning to the tried, tested and true Josh Sid Robinson (Lock Horns, Uragh, Archives) at JSR Audio once again produced, mixed and mastered this one with the band about to head out on tour with Thy Art Is Murder  and Heriot…

Matching a six string guitar with a six string bass is part of what gives Survivalist their satisfying crunch, their groove orientated riffs orbiting around the pummelling percussion like the Earth around the Sun. While remaining distinctly Deathcore, there are hints of DJent over the top of their funky basslines in “Radio Bleed” which makes for something as instantly appealing as a scratch card lottery win. Those allow a few sinister urges to float over the top, creating a darker atmospheric with a little nuance. What separates them from the pack is the gravelly tones of vocalist Sharp, this roars of the songs title a little drawn out to give them that perfect weight in scream-a-long ability. His menacing lyrics are ones which scream of being crossed one too many times by someone once trusted and that’s something that resonates, easy to make your own. Add a couple of Slam inspired throat gargling vocal moments to add a little spice that’s nice and you’ve got a melting pot of sounds that crosses borders and boundaries with complete disregard for the razor wire protecting them. Here, they’ve nailed balance and flow, bringing bounce to the mosh pit without over playing it, the message succinct and to the point. A powerful example of just what Survivalist are capable of “Radio Bleed” is without a doubt another victory – a metaphorical head on a spike marking their territory if you will [8.5/10]

You can find more from Survivalist over at bandcamp