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I CHOOSE VIOLENCE – AN ENEMY TO LIFE ITSELF
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Release Date: 17 July 2026 - Emerging from Adelaide's thriving metal scene, I CHOOSE VIOLENCE have steadily built a reputation through crushing live performances and an uncompromising blend of groove and aggression. Since releasing their debut EP Trial By Combat in 2023, the band have shared the stage with the likes of GATECREEPER, BLEEDING THROUGH, KRUELTY, and DISENTOMB while steadily expanding their audience across Australia. Backed by musicians with more than a decade of experience in the local scene, I CHOOSE VIOLENCE now arrive with the confidence of a band ready to take the next step. That next step comes in the form of the EP "An Enemy to Life Itself", a hard-hitting hardcore release spread across five uncompromising tracks. Let's dive in.
The EP opens with its title track, 'An Enemy to Life Itself', immediately making its intentions clear. A distorted spoken-word sample briefly sets an ominous tone before crushing drumming and a blood-curdling scream explode from the speakers. The vocal performance is utterly uncompromising, perfectly matched by melodic yet weighty guitar work that gives the track a powerful backbone. Piercing screams maintain the relentless intensity throughout, before deep growls deliver one final crushing blow. It is an explosive opener that leaves a lasting first impression.
'Ashes of War' immediately deepens the EP's oppressive atmosphere. A heavily distorted spoken-word sample and eerie, squealing guitar lines lead into a slow, crushing composition where the hardcore influences take centre stage. The vocals are delivered with raw intensity, supported by forceful drumming and inventive riffing throughout. While the bass initially sits further back in the mix, it finally erupts during the closing moments, adding an extra layer of impact to an already punishing track.
'Competitive Grief' wastes no time unleashing its fury. Forceful drumming, deep growls, and piercing screams combine to create an atmosphere of relentless aggression that feels tailor-made for the live stage. The varied vocal performance injects the track with even greater intensity, while subtle melodic guitar work quietly adds depth beneath the chaos. Just when the song seems determined to leave nothing standing, it fades out to the sound of gentle rainfall, providing an unexpectedly haunting conclusion.
'Sufferance' picks up exactly where 'Competitive Grief' leaves off, with the gentle sound of falling rain. Gradually, eerie piano-like textures emerge from the background, transforming the initial calm into an unsettling sense of anticipation. As the layers build, the composition descends into a swirl of sonic chaos before distorted guitars and marching drums slowly take over. Entirely instrumental, 'Sufferance' serves as a haunting ambient interlude, bridging the EP's moments of relentless violence with an atmosphere of lingering unease.
The EP concludes with 'Sanguine (RE)Dirge', returning to a death metal-leaning approach built on chugging melodic riffs, thunderous drumming, and piercing, banshee-like screams. A powerful bass foundation and a well-placed guitar solo add further weight to the composition without overshadowing its relentless intensity. More than just a strong closer, the track brings together everything I CHOOSE VIOLENCE have showcased throughout the EP, delivering a fitting and uncompromising finale.
'With An Enemy to Life Itself', I CHOOSE VIOLENCE deliver a focused and uncompromising statement that leaves a lasting impression despite its concise runtime. Blending hardcore intensity with crushing death metal influences, the band showcases confident songwriting, powerful performances, and an undeniable sense of purpose. An impressive EP that firmly establishes I CHOOSE VIOLENCE as a band to watch.
SCORE 8.5/10
REVIEWED BY SWAMPY
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