19th December 2023

Review: “Far From Glory” by Descent

A summer release from Dallas Texas based Metalcore merchants Descent re-released in Europe by WormHoleDeath Records, “Far From Glory” marks the resurrection of a band of brothers which actually begin in 2002. Re-amped, mixed and mastered by Skull Tone Studios Producer Nino Helfrich in Germany, the bands debut EP was recorded by the four piece themselves at the home of ‘Metal’ Mike Ames, the culmination of work that began sixteen years after they went their separate ways…

“I want you to set a fire so goddamn big, the gods’ll notice us again, that’s what I’m sayin’.” ~ Top Dollar, The Crow

A classic film sample introduction that stylistically takes us back to “This Love Is Murderous” by Bleeding Through sets the tone for “Suffered Reminders“, a cut which does instead have elements of classic 2003 era Gothenburg sound inspired Metalcore but interestingly isn’t limited to it. Instead after a couple of minutes Alice In Chains styled clean vocals rise to the surface, at first as a fleeting backing vocal and then as if growing in confidence, switching places with the uncleans in the later moments. A nice change up that crucially doesn’t involve any slow down in momentum in order to be used, it makes all the difference to this one. The introduction samples continue with “Well, fuck me gently with a chainsaw” a knowing smile cracking moment from Heathers, a 1989 black comedy classic which brings in title track “Far From Glory“. A cut which stays on the punchy side of the bands aggressive tendencies and drops the clean vocals, it has an almost southern swagger to some of the riffage as it flows into Groove Metal territory, both of which work incredibly well and avoid the obvious trappings of being a one trick pony. Those clean vocals resurface at the start of “Paper Cut Throat“, a tale of a broken relationship that would probably be considered American Hard Rock Radio friendly if it wasn’t for the unclean roared parts, the four piece striking a great balance between the heavy and the brooding with this one. It is surprisingly catchy with a memorable hook that will bring you back because once it gets into your head, it never leaves. The same can be said of “Asshole“, which is one of those Groove Metal cuts with an earworm riff that reminds of Pissing Razors or Hellyeah. Gunning for a fight the Death growled part in the centre that finds the band pulling out some pummelling percussion and the kind of riff that threatens to become a breakdown without quite reaching that intensity. This is good clean fun. [7.5/10]

Track Listing