Album Review: Internal Conflict – A P O R I A (PHD)

Rising British heavy metal outfit Internal Conflict have announced their sophomore studio album ‘A P O R I A’ will be released on July 9th, 2021 via PHD ahead of their slot at Bloodstock Open Air 2021.

A P O R I A follows the Leicester five piece metaller’s 2018 ‘Nothing Is Lost’ EP and continues their progressive creativity and innovative take on heavy metal. Part brutal, part melodic, sonically the new songs deliver a deep exploration of modern metal whilst the lyrical themes reflect on society and what it is to be human in deeply challenging times.

Explains frontman Adam Kyle:

The name ‘A P O R I A’ initially spoke of the difficult times we have gone through personally in the last few years, in and outside of the band. From family breakdowns, to mental health struggles, parenthood, life / work balance, and what it means to be a band in an age of digital revolution; all is laid bare. However, with the pandemic and growing cultural divisions, we put our feelings and thoughts into our music as a way to discuss where we, the human race, are right now. Ultimately, we are asking how to achieve happiness in a world that at times feels hopeless and filled with addiction, media influence, wealth or lack thereof, hate, and narcissism.

There’s nothing apathetic about the burst of riffs, bass hooks, drums and throat-stretching vocals that Internal Conflict showcase on the opener Kingdom of Apathy. The noise the band produces drips with passionate and heartfelt heaviness while also having one hell of a catchy chorus. If that’s not enough to get you interested… well, how about a breakdown that makes you want to cause a ton of chaos? It’s here and it is bloody great.

Talking about great though, the wild array of riffs and frenzied drum beat of Paresthesia is killer. Whereas the hardcore energy of Atlas Down screams ‘circle pit mayhem’ and Bleed the Sky’s deep melody helps enhance the heavy metal head-banger qualities this track contains. The latter of those tracks has Internal Conflict’s most powerful sounding vocals too.

Chuggy riffing, meaningful atmosphere and blast beat drumming makes Hollow Heart another standout effort. Before both Traitorous and The Line deliver emotive and powerful bouts of heaviness, groove and melody. Thrilling stuff.

With the sound of photos being taken and notifications on a phone blowing up, the early impact of Kayfabe is felt.

It’s still real to us, damnit!

In all seriousness, this is a thumping and crunching head-banger to end on. With lyrical content that cuts deep. Something, everyone can understand and, in some way, relate too. Musically though, Internal Conflict throw their all into this one and it is a commanding closer. The cherry on top, as it were.

They’ve smashed it here and so many of these tracks are going to slay in the live environment. Roll on Bloodstock, they have a strong chance of being a band that gets tongues wagging at the fest.

Internal Conflict – A P O R I A Full Track Listing:

1. Kingdom of Apathy
2. Paresthesia
3. Atlas Down
4. Bleed the Sky
5. Hollow Heart
6. Traitorous
7. The Line
8. Kayfabe

Links

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