7th August 2026

Review: “Transcend” by Lower 13

For the past tow decades Cleveland, Ohio trio Lower 13 have been musing on themes of personal struggles, pain and individualism, their sound what the Swedish would call a smorgasbord of different Metal sub-genres with melodic riffs, weighty grooves and hook-laden vocal harmonies all appearing at some point. The amazing thing is that the band remain the original line up with bassist vocalist Sean Balog, drummer Eric Kruger (also of Pagan Impaler) and guitarist vocalist Patrick Capretta all playing their respective parts. Three years after their last EP “Deception” the band return with another five track affair, this one titled “Transcend“.

Over the years Lower 13 have proven themselves to be great song writers with a distinctive chemistry and with opening cut “Reside” they have an anthem which deserves to be heard by festival crowds. An arena filling song with an introspective lyrical narrative and a powerful sing-a-long style, it not only resonates but has that sense of grit and integrity that makes all the difference. Balog’s vocals have more to them than meets the eye as he switches from soulful cleans to anguished screams, the acoustic introduction long lost in the Metalcore fuelled guitars by that point.

A potent blend based on the 2003 American Metalcore sound inspired by the Gothenburg Sound of Melodic Death Metal “Day by Day” increases the intensity as well as the tempo, the band threatening to reach Trivium territory as Balog vents his spleen. The riffs are from the Gods, the wrath and scorn in the vocals feels like he’s pushing back against an oppressive force and the percussion is so powerful it feels like it’s going to bring the thunder.

There are Alice In Chains vibes in melodic passages between crunchy choruses on “Giving Up the Pain“, the Nu-Metal style introspective lyrical narrative offering something potent and tangible while contrasted against the crushing guitars. The harsh uncleans are a level above the ones on the earlier track, like this one means that much more. It has to be said that if this cut had come out in the early 2000’s it would have been a potential gold mine for the trio because it has the characteristics from that time while also having more cutting edge, something which makes all the difference.

A Sick Of It All style bass line introduces the almighty “Waste” in tasteful fashion, the dual vocal harmonies and bouncy riffs helping create a song that is slick and has great flow. Lower 13 have mastered the balance between the melodic and the heavy so its on a knife edge, perfectly weighted. Title track “Transcend” is an absolute neck snapper of pulsating rhythms and driving intensity, the flying solo in the middle masterfully done with virtuoso flair. Capretta has high quality riffs for days in his armoury and isn’t afraid to use them, constantly cranking out fresh ideas that absolutely slap. The only issue with this record is that by the end it leaves you wanting more, which can’t be a bad thing, can it? [8/10]

Track Listing