Richmond (and Fredericksburg, and Brooklyn)’s own Highness released their debut album, Hold, this week, and for a limited time, it’s available for free download at PureVolume.com. In light of each member’s formidable musical history, it’s easy to let their estimable pedigree become the measure by which the group is judged. However, the group prove on Hold that they are a force to be reckoned with in their own right.
Richmond (and Fredericksburg, and Brooklyn)’s own Highness released their debut album, Hold, this week, and for a limited time, it’s available for free download at PureVolume.com. In light of each member’s formidable musical history, it’s easy to let their estimable pedigree become the measure by which the group is judged. However, the group prove on Hold that they are a force to be reckoned with in their own right.
The interplay between vocalists Eric Richter and Brent Eyestone sets the tone for the band, with the contrast between Richter’s soothing, melodic hum and Eyestone’s raspier yells dictating a relatively wide tonal range from song to song. With Richter and Eyestone as well as Graham Scala all playing guitars, the band generates a thick midrange sound that draws equally from the metallic hardcore of Eyestone and Scala’s former band, Forensics, and the smoother sound of Richter’s many former bands, most famously mid-90s emo pioneers Christie Front Drive.
The group’s rhythm section is easily as talented; bassist Brandon Evans, formerly of Pg. 99 and City Of Caterpillar, brings an energetic onslaught to the table (or should I say stage). Drummer Ryan Parrish, whose former membership in such groups as Darkest Hour and Iron Reagan will surely catch the attention of metal fans, nonetheless is equally able to lend strong backing to the group’s more melodic moments as well as their heavier climaxes.
The end result of these five musicians’ combined efforts is a primary focus on melodic vocal lines and layered guitars, but with an undeniable heaviness that gives the album a powerful foundation even in its quietest moments. While Hold will not necessarily be a predictable listen for fans of any of the members’ past bands, it offers elements that should please all comers, from the staunchest metal proponents to fans of melodic, emotional post-hardcore sounds.
With the album currently available for free download at PureVolume.com, interested listeners face no downside from giving Highness a chance. But act now! Their kindness only extends until the 17th of May. You can hear and download the album at this link:
http://www.purevolume.com/news/highness-hold-album-download-stream
And if you like what you hear, buy Hold on vinyl or CD from Magic Bullet Records by clicking here: http://www.magicbulletrecords.com/site/highnessmbl152/
