If Hope Dies is a modern metal band hailing from Darjeeling. Since their inception in 2010, they have delivered memorable live performances at quite a few good shows. The band’s sound is modern metal with an infusion of technical elements and a progressive approach. If Hope Dies recently released their debut EP ‘Sukna’ which consists of five fierce songs featuring some in-your-face guitar riffs, power packed drumming and well thought out rhythms. The band shows commendable musical acumen in their hardcore debut EP which speaks of the hard work that has gone into presenting their first record.
The opening track “Intro” sounds quite mysterious and is followed by the aggressive “Hurry Burry Boils the Curry”. This song sets a massive impact which lasts throughout the record with a straight forward and relentless approach with fiercely up tempo and skilled drumming. The guitar riffs are intense and such standard is maintained on the rest of the record as well. The next song “The Eternal Mindfuck” upholds the impact with great work on the vocals, powerful riffs and grooves.
The band explores new dimensions in “He Implodes” which speaks of the numerous influences the members draw into their music. The song showcases elements of prog, groove metal and death metal with a good dash of technicality and puts the band’s originality to the forefront. The intensity is carried on to the final track “Brothers” which presents a hard-hitting attitude with catchy drums as well as some subtle, laid back rhythms. This track also features some nice intricacies in the blending and interaction of the instruments.
One of the most significant aspects of the record is the work on vocals and the well thought-out tones which speak of their professionalism as a band. The production on their debut EP successfully upholds the high energy strengths of the record in each of the five songs and highlights the best of each instrument at some point or the other. All in all, ‘Sukna’ is a great record for listeners of power packed modern metal!