Not long after sitting down with the self-titled release (M-Theory Audio) from Living Wreckage, it becomes abundantly clear that metallic, dazzling and thumping guitars take center stage.

The bellicose duo that is Jon Donais (Anthrax, Shadows Fall) and Matt LeBreton (Downpour) wedge their strong suits into every bit of the thirty-eight minute run time: a healthy serving of finger tapping; dynamic riffing that not only sets the tempo but also elevates the rest of the band; and alluring melodies which frequently presage straight-up shredding.

The five-piece debut full-length from the Easthampton, Massachusetts-based metalcore boasts intricately thought-out compositions. Over the course of nine tracks, Jeff Gard (Death Ray Vision) emphatically peppers Living Wreckage with a dazzling display of rough-around-the-edges singing balanced with more forceful declarations (‘Breaking Point,’ ‘The Voices Lied’). 

What’s most striking about this record is the synergy created by the entire band. ‘Sink Below’ especially shows off the innate chemistry. Rounded out by bassist Matt Bachand (Shadows Fall, Act Of Defiance) and drummer Jon Morency (Let Us Prey), the song is a culmination of the group’s collective bevy of experience outside of Living Wreckage. Additionally, Gard’s hooky chorus lines keep the listener fully engaged and helps to create a sense of newness with each track. 

But it all keeps coming back to the aforementioned axe-wielding pair. Donais and LeBreton are the hundreds of gallons of diesel fuel that sustains the Living Wreckage semi-truck. Not to say that without them the band would be completely irrelevant; but the two infuse the album with such a likeable and stirring energy that separates from the pack. 

Whether it be easy-to-absorb vocals, bad-to-the-bone riffing or carefully choreographed songs, Living Wreckage provide more than enough substance to tick the boxes for just about any hard rock or metal fan.

Buy the album here: https://livingwreckage.bandcamp.com/releases

7 / 10

MATT COOK