By Robin Ervolina
With a high-energy string orchestration and a passionate screaming vocal intro, I’m introduced to Meet Me at The Gates’ EP Life in Two. Pleased to meet you indeed.
Metal chore outfit Meet Me at The Gates was formed in 2014 and debuted shortly thereafter via YouTube. After a break between vocalists, they resurfaced with Life in Two, their five song EP released in November of 2016.
The opening tune “Genesis” is a short introduction to the “who” of Meet Me at The Gates. Following on its heels is “Reborn,” which continues the promise of their genre with a metal drum kick and powerful dirty vocals. Coming in at the chorus is our first taste of clean vocalist Derek Ruggia, and his sweet tone is right in my personal wheelhouse. The back and forth pushing and pulling of these two styles of delivery fill all the holes in my soul. The music is driving, and yeah again, I love Ruggia’s voice, but Matt Parham’s vocals are noteworthy to say the least. His scream at the end of “Dead Horizon” is frankly chilling and expertly delivered. I’m reminded of the old Bring Me the Horizon before Oli blew out his chords.
“Overthrown” has a wicked laugh that also sort of makes me pull the covers up over my eyes, but thankfully Ruggia lures me back. (Oh, who am I kidding? I love a good scream). Closing out the EP is the title track, “Life in Two,” which takes us out as gently and powerfully as the opening tune led us into the album. Life in Two presents a perfect circle of aptitude, emotion, and vulnerability.
Meet Me at The Gates fits into their genre with ease. I would urge you to consider Life in Two as an introduction to a very talented group of guys who are ready to steal the stage from their contemporaries.
You can check out the video for title track Life in Two here:
Life in Two is available for download at this iTunes link.
Meet Me At The Gates is:
Derek Ruggia - Clean Vocals/Guitar
Matt Parham - Screams
Jason LeBouton - Lead Guitar
Isaiah Prather - Bass
Joey Markey - Drums
No comments:
Post a Comment