Hailing from Canada, Metalcore connoisseur ONI kicks off the new year with new five-track EP, Genesis (Self-Released). Each song has a sound massive enough to blow the roof off a stadium, yet accessible to a wide enough audience that fans from Metal and Pop scenes alike could easily appreciate it.

Instrumentally, Genesis mixes heavy low-tuned riffage with twinkles of ambience. Vocally, Jake Oni delivers soaring melodies and soul-stirring hooks, with the occasional momentary scream snuck into the most intense parts. And then there’s his raspy belts that fall somewhere in between, multiplying the emotional impact tenfold.

Opening track “Erase” introduces the EP’s sound clearly, throwing shimmering guitar lines over chunky distortion. This is heavily accentuated by pounding drum beats and fills, creating the most fitting canvas for Oni to paint his impassioned melodies on.

“Realign” wields a screeching, scorching guitar solo that could immediately captivate any listener. While it is a simple melody, the tone ignites it as the technique humanizes it, making it feel as if the guitar is singing and screaming at the same time.

“Deja-Vu” opens with a raw, heartfelt scream of the words “So I will let you go,” just before erupting into a rollicking downpour of layered riffs. The dynamic contrast is what makes this song hit as hard as it does; atmospheric echoes suddenly become blaring shrieks of dissonance, which then pull back for a brief moment just to allow some room to breathe before the monumental chorus takes over. Every note in the breakdown is crisp and clear as it jerks back and forth, while Oni unleashes the most brutal screams of the whole EP.

Oni shows off more of his gritty half-screaming-half-singing technique for the pit-inducing “Walk Away” just before going into closing track “Control.” Although this a softer track, it doesn’t stray from the pattern of colossal choruses that hit the ears like a freight train. 

With Genesis, ONI has carefully crafted a Metalcore EP that almost anyone can enjoy, whether they are versed in modern Metal or not. He makes every melody and instrumental count, making for a filler-less release that will have fans singing along from the rooftops.

Buy the album here:
https://onimusic.com/

8 / 10
COLLEEN KANOWSKY
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