Skarlett Riot set the bar high and bled it dry with razor-sharp EP Sentience in 2016, but these Scunthorpe-based upstarts are hellbent on proving they’re here to stay with this second full length effort. Like its predecessor, Regenerate harnesses the penetrative hooks and huge singalongs synonymous with modern metalcore, but there’s an inescapable smattering of darkness meandering through these 10 tracks. Lead single Break thunders out amongst a flurry of synth-tinged beats and frontwoman Skarlett’s commanding vocals, underpinned by hypnotic riffage. Both Stand Alone and Affliction marry serene passages with searing introspection sweeping the soul up in a dark embrace, and in the case of closer Warrior, underlined by The Poison-era BFMV-style guitar licks and thundering grooves. Yes, you’ll have heard this type of thing before – probably from SR themselves – but it’s enticing and anthemic enough to hold your attention.
Skarlett Riot - Regenerate album review
Melodic modern metal with a gothic undercurent
You can trust Louder Our experienced team has worked for some of the biggest brands in music. From testing headphones to reviewing albums, our experts aim to create reviews you can trust. Find out more about how we review.
“Religion never accepts the balance that exists in a human being. It’s just a one-way street. That’s always going to cause conflicts”: How Dimmu Borgir made an irreligious symphonic black metal classic with In Sorte Diaboli
“It was carnage. We partied on the road, then I’d get home and start the party all over again. I thought, ‘If this carries on, I might die’”: The explosive story of The Darkness’ OTT hard rock masterpiece Permission To Land
“We were heartbroken. The world had lost a big talent. But as a band we had lost much more”: The rollercoaster story of AC/DC’s Back In Black, the 50-million selling album that emerged from tragedy
