Review: “Atonement” by Lost In Existence

“We could consider this EP as a transition in essence a bridge towards a more modern and melancholic style. It was also a challenge for us, to test whether we were capable of not remaining outdated and instead redirect our sound into something fresher, unique and contemporary.” ~ Lost In Existence 

Recorded in early 2024 at Absolomb Studios in Seville where it was also produced, mixed and mastered by Enrique Navarrete (Hunger, Beheading Samsara, Tassma), it is written that “Atonement” is the beginning of a new chapter for Spaniards Lost In Existence. It seems they’ve taken the decision to undertake a bold evolution that leaves behind the Metalcore sounds of 2024 EP “Agony” and move towards a more modern, melancholic and forward-thinking identity. On the surface that seems both bold and brave but if they were unhappy with the status quo then ripping up the blueprint and starting over makes perfect sense…

Taking obvious influence from the likes of Architects, Currents and Spiritbox in Progressive Metalcore “Iridescent” finds the band casting aside the shackles of their previous endeavors and breaking free blending big chugging riffs with emotively driven lyrics. Playing with light and shade on this one they enrich their heavier darker moments with a couple of lighter melodic ones that work incredibly well. The spellbinding intertwining solos mesmerize before the gargantuan Deathcore style breakdown and cathartic scream in the finale that you simply don’t see coming. A slap across the face that cuts, its as brutal as they come, a real gut punch moment that makes you look twice. The problem is that on the first few spins the sheer power of the opening cut dampens the track that follows it in “From The Outside” but fortunately that one grows over multiple spins. While it is fresh for Lost In Existence it feels like it has its roots in “Cold Like War” era We Came As Romans with spine juddering guitars and cathartic screams making way for a cleaner chorus of sing-a-long anthem proportions. That’s by no means a bad thing and a sonic leap from their previous Melodic Death Metal leaning sound even if the buried vinyl scratches seem a little out of place so if that was the vision, its fair to say the band have achieved it.

A song about feeling replaceable, about reaching out and finding your hand stopped by glass “Shameful Sigh” is an intense and personal offering that resonates simply because everyone has a space where guilt and regret live in their hearts. Another play on light and shade its very well balanced, the aching melodic moments perforated with heavier moments that pull it along kicking and screaming. The melancholia of the synths during those melodic parts is heart wrenching and while there is a little accenting issue in the vocals on the word “There” which becomes “Dare” that adds a little charm to it rather than being something that will make you switch off in anger. Continuing the heavy subject matter “False Gods” explores the turbulent space where anger and resentment collide with disillusionment and as such is front loaded with punchy, aggressive rhythmic patterns. Pretty much every song has a “Bleigh!” moment in it and this one is no different but in the bands defense they work very well. A scorcher of a solo and some neck snapping mosh parts round this one off nicely before the title track “Atonement” reverts back to an aching melody. Well crafted, the song has a gracious rise and fall as well as a huge chorus and tasteful solo, all of which go a long way to conveying the weight of the lyrical narrative well. The brutal breakdown in the final moments is a real gut punch and will leave you wondering if the sonic transformation is complete or if there is more to come… [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Iridescent
2. From The Outside
3. Shameful Sigh
4. False Gods
5. Atonement

“Atonement” by Lost In Existence is out 19th December 2025 via Art Gates Records