It is always rewarding when a new act comes along which offers both something a little different and with a heap of potential to go a lot further. Londoners The Sun Never Set only came into existence in early 2013 and present their debut EP (Self-released) only a year later, and already it there are signs of something special.
Their brand of metal is a very interesting prospect if not entirely innovative. Influences of recent metalcore and drifting progressive metal flourishes are far from new it has to be said, but how they bring them together is executed with a degree of freshness. Unexpected changes of pace between visceral speed to contrasting clean acoustic passages manage to work without being clunky and not cohesive, even layering with harsh barks. Even in the EP’s more straightforward moments it more than stands up in quality to many of their peers.
Not that this is the finished article by any means. The vocals are very one-dimensional and cookie cutter in comparison to many more familiar bands, but ultimately the real criticism is that it is obvious that this band can produce a lot more. This self titled EP is a very impressive opening statement from a band still very much in its fledgling state. Surely ones to keep an eye on for bigger things.
7.0/10.0
CHRIS TIPPELL