In just 3 short years Southampton’s Pioneers have released an E.P, toured the UK numerous times, with the likes of Hacktivist and Continents, followed by a brief European tour and now they have released a monster of a debut album with “Insecurities” which could see them reach the next level. Not bad going at all.
Discordant noise followed by a minute of proper pummeling they’ve christened “City Of Plagues,” sets up the stall so to speak, showing us exactly what we can expect from the rest of the album.”Checkpoint” comes in with a fast paced old school hardcore vibe, the band providing a master class in when to drop in a huge breakdown. “False Colours” is a brooding monster, with its staccato riffing, sure to send mosh pits into a frenzy across Europe this year. The first calmer moment on the album transpires with “Shadow Link” proving that vocalist Jamie Morgan can hold a tune with the best of them. A brief electronic interlude for “Grounded” before we return to the heaviness with “Ideals,” a head nodder if ever there was one. Perhaps the heaviest track on the album is next with “Headlights” bringing to mind the mighty Will Haven, with Morgan channeling both Jared Leto and Jamey Jasta in equal measure. The mauling continues with “Masters” before a well crafted “Turned To Dust,” with its brief respite in the middle, building back to a crushing finale, brings the whole thing to an end.
Nine tracks of first rate metalcore, showcasing the diversity within the genre without compromising its brutality. With a huge hometown release show followed by a tour with Chuggaboom and armed with an album this good, things are looking good for Pioneers. Buy the album, catch the tour and jump on the train before they leave you for dust.