What happens when you drop American-styled Deathcore in Australia?

...not too much, it seems. But while UNTRUTH seem to have done nothing new stylistically with a genre that seems to have been beaten to death lately, they've attracted some positive media attention and established themselves as a solid and competent (if not unique) presence within the scene.

“In The Absence Of Beacons” is filled with mid to high tempo tracks filled with well-produced instrumentation. As usual with many of these new bands, the production is really quite impressive. Nothing sounds thin or distorted, and it all comes in clear and distinct without being muddled or overshadowed too much by any other instrument.

My favorite song very quickly has become the title track. Largely because I feel it offers the most variety and best songwriting on the album. Beginning with scathing vocal sections, dipping into an instrumental march-like solo section and mellowing briefly before blasting back into the vocal assault of Ben Roberts, “In The Absence Of Beacons” seems to me to be the epitome of this short 5 track EP.

The remainder of the album is very competently performed, and the guitars offer up some good color to the music. Were the vocals not so forward and harsh, this music could be very accessible. There's a lot of energy here, and more emotion is conveyed through the seething vocals (to my ears, at least) than many Deathcore bands that I can recall hearing. This band is carving themselves out a niche with their very genuine attitude in their music and obvious commitment. Very highly recommended to fans of the genre. Though I'm sure I won't find myself coming back to it very often, I offer credit to this young band for what they've accomplished: a very successful EP.

(Online August 10, 2010)