9th September 2023

Review: “Part I: iO” by Core Of iO

“The songs in Part I: iO were written at a time when I had just been through a life changing personal experience. Having my lyric book to hand helped me through the most difficult period mentally in my life. The result is five songs: two positive, two negative, and a fifth track that touches on how I’m currently still struggling in retrospect.” ~ vocalist and guitarist Bob Tett

Whether “Part I: iO” spells the end for Core Of iO or the end is simply the beginning of a fresh chapter in a new book remains to be seen because since 2014 the band have released a string of well received EPs that started with Part IV. Specialists in a more technical sound, they remain hard to Pigeon hole even after eleven years together but wherever they lay their hat seems to be their home with elements of Progressive Metal and Rock in the mix. They’ve played both Tech-Fest and Mammothfest, as well as sharing states with the likes of Thank You Scientist, Black Peaks and Rosetta in their career to date and with a foundation of gold and bones to build upon, their ascendency to Valhalla seems ever closer…

There are echoes of influence from Sikth and Karnivool in the opening strains of “Done“, a Mathcore orientated riff the backbone for odd time signatures and tight rhythms as Tett admits defeat in a strangely absorbing fashion. Despite six years since their last offering “Europa“, all the hallmarks of the bands sound are present and correct throughout as Core Of iO continue to carve their own path as one of the more unique offerings in the United Kingdom scene. The burning “Things I Should Have Said” finds the four piece offering a rich melodic chorus with arena filling sing-a-long capabilities against a backdrop of thunderously complex rhythms, delicately placed and intricately designed. A powerful statement piece that stirs the soul, the weight of emotion conveyed in the performance makes for a truly captivating moment. There can be no mistaking how hard some of this music is to play, the complexities of the riffs on “Four Years Later” the creation of calloused hands, while the drum patterns take the cake let alone the buiscuit when it comes to sublime musicianship. These aren’t songs that were conjured over night but ones which have been worked and reworked time and time again, perfected over time like a fine wine. The more upbeat “You Got This” has some Plini styled moments with a real vibrant zest floating around lyrics of grit and integrity, inspiring some positivity despite the pressure and pain. The sharpest tool in Pandora’s box is “Leave“, it’s uncleans vocal parts and sinister edged guitar work making for an earworm thrill ride from start to finish. On this evidence, Core Of iO are very much alive and kicking despite their time away… [8/10]

Track Listing