Album Review: Forbearance - 'Terminal'

There are trends that come and go in the music industry, and the latest one in vogue, melodic hardcore, is currently taking its turn. Inarguably, the melding of gritty breakdowns with melodic chord progressions is an infinite improvement from the hair straightening, make-up wearing, post hardcore phase of a few years ago. However, an unfortunate side affect of these crazes is that, inevitably, perfectly decent bands get lost in the crowd of other bands just like them. Forbearance is one such band, and their debut material ‘Terminal’, is everything it should be, but still fails to stand out.

The first track in the record, ‘Time Will Not Change Us,’ begins with swift drum riffs and vigorous guitar distortions before dropping to a slower rhythm in the verses. The vocalist’s screams harbours a surprising clarity that allows him to communicate the extreme emotion and power needed in a melodic hardcore band, and to do it better than most.

‘New Beginnings and a Fractured Heart’ acquaints us with the mature lyrical capabilities of Forbearance, who don’t shy away from deeply personal subject matters. Terminal is equal parts hopelessness and determination and their song writing seems to be a reflection of, or an outlet for, the artists’ experiences with their own depression and volatility.

The final offering, ‘Trembling Hands’ begins on an off chord and from there the metal sounding guitar work and furious drumming dominates a lot of the song without it being too overbearing, and complements the strength of the screamer suitably.

Terminal is an album that reflects the ever-evolving trends of heavy music just as much as it does the deeply personal experiences of its artists. Although Forbearance aren’t doing anything particularly outstanding in their genre, maybe it is enough that ‘Turmoil’ is a testimony to the people who wrote it and to the time they wrote it in.

1. Time Will Not Change Us

2. New Beginnings and a Fractured Heart

3. Trembling Hands