(EDIT - 13/8/2011 - see post of same date - if this ISN'T Cisko Miranda screaming through on this, then who the hell is it? If the only screamer left, and this was recorded before his arrival, then I am really not sure!!)
I love Eyes Set To Kill.
Simmering in the underground and cult concern section of the metalcore/screamo world for quite some time, I think that they have so much to offer, and are so unique in the scene right now. Frontman Cisko Miranda is a commanding and mesmerising frontman, making use of the screamo vocals in the outfit, with guitarist and co-vocalist Alexia Rodriguez interchanging vocal duties with her smooth and clean melodic elements. Something different to what everyone else is doing, ESTK are awesome on record and the merging of stylings works so well on both their heavy, rockier numbers, as well as on the slower, more emotive songs which primarily focus on the female lead of the group.
They are diverse, and captivating.
Their latest record Broken Frames, coming out in the summer of last year, prior to the departure of lead guitarist Greg Kerwin, is an absolute cracker too. The male/female interchange is on top form throughout, and the likes of All You Ever Knew, Play The Part and Falling Fast are by the numbers metalcore standards, but crafted to perfection and immensely enjoyable.
The albums highlight though is Broken Frames, which is phenomenal, and an anthemic and driving choice cut, which you will fall in love with on first listen.
What is apparent throughout is that Alexia does take primary focus on more tracks than ever before, and at times, the screams have been either toned down, or taken away, to let her gorgeous voice soar on the record. Her tones and abilities shine throughout this record, even when put up against her vocal counterparts impressive wail.
It makes this a juggernaut of an album, and an essential release, once again proving how they are one of the best kept secrets in the metalcore world. They have released great records before, and with this, have pushed the envelope further than ever before, expanding on their sound, and embracing a number of different styles, adding further strings to their bow.
Alexia is now a commanding vocal presence as well, clearly buoyed and confident after the release of her debut solo album last year (which has only just come to my attention, and which I will have to pick up sooner rather than later!) and she is in fine form on the likes of Ryan, and Let Me In, which was the debut single from that solo album Underground Sounds, making its way onto the end of this track as a bonus addition.
A great record, and much deserved of greater exposure in the scene.
Believe in this . . .
9/10
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