“Isolation”
This review was originally published on Music Scene Media.
Die Another Day, a metalcore band based in Calgary, released their single “Isolation” on May 20th. This track, as well as their single “Braindead” released on April 15th, will be on their upcoming EP Fiction, which we can expect in July. The track and accompanying video aim to capture the feeling of being alone even when surrounded by loved ones. However, the track also remains optimistic, and the listener can feel that the group is affected by their friend’s depression, with lyrics such as “the memories will pass me by/I’ll see you on the other side.”
Die Another Day’s metal and punk musical influences can be heard in “Isolation.” There is a definite alt/punk feel to Tyler Johansen bass line, and Justin Bennett & Ricardo D’Ameida’s guitar lines have shades of Latin intonation. These add layers to the instrumentation, elevating “Isolation” from a typical metalcore sound. The first three minutes consist of mostly clean vocals from Jared Boyd with screams in the background to underscore certain lyrics. Once the song hits the bridge, though, Bennett swoops in with a swirling guitar solo and Adam Hensby’s drumming begins to heavily feature the bass in his kit. Boyd comes back in and the song finishes with what I can only describe as a “metal breakdown.” It kicks off with Boyd screaming “DEATH COMES IN ISOLATION,” and immediately is filled with intense drums and a wall of sound from the guitar and bass. The intensity drives home the song’s message about the crushing feeling of isolation, before ending with the original guitar melody, like a calm after the storm.
The accompanying video for “Isolation” lays out a clear and simple storyline but leaves the ending up to interpretation. It features a group of friends hanging out at someone’s house, playing games and joking around, but it’s obvious that one of them just feels left out. He gets up, writes a note that reads like heartbreaking poetry, and then walks out. Someone finds the note, and immediately calls his friends to rally together. They’re clearly distressed, and it ends with them meeting up to read the note and plan what to do next. Once the track hits the breakdown section of the song, flashing text overlay takes over the screen, reinforcing how important the lyrics are to the story. Although the fate of the main character isn’t explicitly revealed, the number for Canada’s Suicide Prevention Services closes out the video.
The members of Die Another Day are clearly talented and have a lot of passion for their work. “Isolation” captures all of this as well as showing off the band’s emotional side. They have laid the groundwork for what will definitely be a great EP release next month.
