Album Review: Ithaca – They Fear Us (Hassle Records)

Acclaimed UK metallic hardcore troupe Ithaca return with their long-awaited second album, They Fear Us, due 29th July 2022 via Hassle Records.

A blistering debut album, stunning live shows and a steady release of singles have turned anticipation into something more akin to feverish demand. Everyone that knows Ithaca, loves Ithaca, and everyone that doesn’t, just haven’t listen to them yet. Something that is going to change with this release, an album that is pretty much guaranteed to send this band soaring.

A step up from the debut in almost every way, the refinement of their sound is one thing, but the development is another. An album that is furious and ferocious but also an album that is heartfelt and melodic. They Fear Us is more than just a triumphant release for Ithaca, it’s a triumphant release for metal in general because such talent, as that exists in Ithaca, enhances everything around them.

Nine tracks, nine slices of heaven, nice examples of modern metal and hardcore, They Fear Us lands with a ton of impact. Not just because, when so desired, Ithaca are intensely on another level, but because there’s an incredible amount of heart and soul in what they’re doing. The lyrical content means something and the way in which vocalist Djamila Boden Azzouz delivers the words is constantly amazing.

The vocals are just one part of the draw here though. Ithaca are a unit and have an array of impressive ideas to showcase instrumentally. Whether it’s brash and brutal heaviness or it’s technical and melody driven mastery, the backbone of Ithaca is truly incredible.

Pick a track, any track you want on this album and be prepared to be wowed. The consistency Ithaca offer is beyond measure and with one run-through, few won’t see this as anything but an album of the year contender. Yet, on repeat listens, it somehow becomes even more important. Detail surfacing that may have been missed on the first trawl. A favourite track or moment changes, yet the excitement and enthusiasm for such heavy music only grows.

A star-making album, Ithaca have delivered a beast of a record that will be spoken about in years to come as one of the finest modern metal records. It really is that damn good.

Ithaca – They Fear Us Full Track Listing:

1. In the Way
2. The Future Says Thank You
3. They Fear Us
4. Camera Eats First
5. Cremation Party
6. Number Five
7. Fluorescent
8. You Should Have Gone Back
9. Hold, Be Held

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