EP Review: Artifact – Insurrection (Self Released)

Artifact, a melodic metalcore project based in Wagga Wagga, Australia will release their second EP, ‘Insurrection’ on June 10^th, 2023. The EP is conceptual and discusses themes such as the current mental health pandemic, the world’s misdirected hatred, and wants listeners to build themselves up, challenge the toxic hivemind mentality and show an open mind and an open heart to those that need it.

Don’t take the path of least resistance, come forth and embrace the dichotomy.

Artifact deserve a lot of credit for packing so much thought and feeling into a four-track EP. The idea of it being conceptual and having so many layers is laughable considering the overall length. Yet, the melodic metalcore band really deliver something special here.

Kicking off with a frenzy of bouncy aggression, Mass Psychosis has Artifact get right in faces from the start. The group showing just how intense they can be, while also having an anthemic quality that makes you want to get into the pit with them.

Which is exactly what they want with the following Collapse. A track that is a bit filthy, extremely aggressive, stompy, and groovy. It will make you gurn, thanks to the meaty instrumentation and the sound of the deep, guttural vocals.

Following that banger, Artifact have a lot to do to keep the momentum high. Enter Nadir, a hostile beast with crunchy groove and a chorus that soars. The layering of vocal styles in that chorus is pretty damn impressive. Finally, it’s Nascent to wrap up this killer EP. A finale that features a dramatic start, massive metalcore vigour, a cleverly done melodic lull, and all the reasons in the world to let loose. It’s another kick ass track.

Artifact – Insurrection Track Listing:

1. Mass Psychosis
2. Collapse
3. Nadir
4. Nascent

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