It’s always good to discover something new from the Scottish scene. Local up-and-comers From Tyranny formed in 2017 and introduced their brand of heavy with catchy first single “Scorned” in 2020. Fast forward to now, following a change in drummer, the band have recently released their debut EP, Reprise.
The EP kicks off with the titular instrumental intro, a short piece building on top of the haunting main arpeggio, until the final haze crashes into first song “Elemental”. Introducing From Tyranny’s evolved sound, the track moves through catchy melodeath riffs and crushing chugs to the reprise of the record’s opening base arpeggio. The step-up in musicianship is impressively apparent across the board however at times it feels as though the music would benefit with some breathing space between the furious guitar flurries, busy drum battery and engulfing synth waves.
Following is first single (and music video) “Haunt You”. There’s something grabbing about the eerie whispers of “I can’t seem to connect the dots. I cannot see the lines” with the twists on the opening riff giving groove and speed with more hooky melodies before a bludgeoning end, giving a moment to show off the gnarly bass tone. A great choice for a single that showcases From Tyranny’s style.
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More banging chugs come before some frantic thrash in “Martyrs to Madness” bringing better balance between the technical moments and straightforward heaviness. As in its predecessor, more subtle changes in drum pattern and little quirks like picks scrapes and effects keep it interesting but don’t feel overdone. Another side comes in the Latin-flavoured acoustic middle backed with more subtle atmospherics makes for a welcome breather before the heaviest moment sledgehammer’s the skull. Closer “Oblivion” brings darker discordant technique through varying grooves with a penultimate chug edging towards the climax of a stunning melodic middle, highlighted by the soaring clean vocal, finishing on a final banger riff.
Reprise is the next step of From Tyranny’s evolution bringing more technicality and experimentation musically and production-wise. The band’s preceding single “Scorned” was a much simpler and straightforward piece overall, though I like it for that reason. I think in places the band’s sound could do with a little subtle refinement however, I feel that might be more a matter of my taste. No shade on From Tyranny though, as Reprise is a promising release loaded with killer hooks and a sense of their signature style coming through.
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Reprise is out now
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