TEN56.: Io (METALCORE): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Ten56. is a modern metal band that has made a name for itself on the French scene through relentless touring. Born from the ashes of Betraying The Martyrs, its members include Aaron Matts on vocals, Luka Rozaka, guitarist Steeves Hostin (formerly of Beyond the Dust, Uneven Structure, Betraying the Martyrs, etc.) who took over as bassist after Nicolas Delestrade left, Quentin Godet (Kadinja) on guitar, and Arnaud Verrier (Uneven Structure) on drums. The band quickly made a name for itself with the release of its first EP, “Downer Part. 1,” followed by its sequel, “Downer Part 2,” to form the album “Downer.” Although these early efforts were not perfect, they revealed impressive qualities through aggressive compositions mixed with electro sounds and urban influences. After a series of concerts across France, the quintet released a mature album in which they seem freer than ever to offer their version of modern metal.

The band surprises right from the cover art. The high-quality, minimalist visuals contrast with the music's rare violence. The sound is powerful and the tone of the songs is serious as they tackle difficult subjects, while emphasizing the need to overcome trauma. Against a backdrop of ultra-saturated guitars (“I Know Where You Sleep”) and heavy drums, Ten56. writes dark poetry, describing a brutal environment that is sometimes almost unbearable. Fortunately, within this opaque fog, the band slips in interludes and moments of respite that make the violence bearable. The band has found its magic formula through hyper-heavy music dressed up with icy sound effects or modern rap phrasing (“Pig”). The tracks are like emotional roller coasters that grab you by the gut, shake you up, and sometimes leave you feeling deeply unsettled. The album is unsettling because, although it is based on familiar foundations—intense riffs, percussive drums with thick blasts (“Good Morning”)—it blurs the lines, tearing down foundations only to rebuild or transcend them (“Pig”). It's a kind of modern progressive approach intensified by remarkable drumming and multiple variations (“Earwig”). The vocals are also impeccable, with Aaron feeling free to express his emotions without limits or preconceptions.

“IO” is a powerful album on which Ten56. indulges itself and indulges us, delivering superbly executed music full of twists and turns. Heavy guitars, crashing drums, and raging vocals support dark themes that leave a glimmer of hope at the end of a tortuous musical tunnel. A hard-hitting album that fuses antagonisms to offer a different musical vision that is modern, personal, and very coherent. Everyone is free to push the switch to continue or abandon the musical experience... which seems to be whispered by the cover of “IO.” - Official website

TEN56.

IO

AUTRE LABEL

METALCORE