EP Review: Scorched Reprise by Icarus Lives (Self Released)

Perth melodic metallers Icarus Lives will release their brand new EP, Scorched Reprise, on April 22nd, 2022. Showcasing a tantalising blend of traditional metal and melodic rock elements, the band explore drama, angst and vulnerability amongst the flurry of ferocious riffs, monstrous solos, catchy melodies and a pummelling rhythm section.

Icarus Lives  have established themselves as one of the Australia’s leading melodic metal acts since the release of their debut album ‘Vantablack’ (2017) and singles ‘Collision of Counterparts’ (2019) and ‘Holding Out For A Hero’ by Bonnie Tyler (2021). The group has been busy playing national and international shows including performances alongside heavy metal royalty PAIN as well as touring Japan with The Agonist and Cellar Darling.

With the addition of their new frontwoman Aria Scarlett, a year full of shows and new music ahead, Icarus Lives are ready to take on 2022 with full force.

Icarus Lives consists of vocalist Aria Scarlett, twin lead guitar attack of Cameron Michael & Cohen Dennis and the thundering rhythm section of bass player Chris Ayling & drummer Naomi Treacy.

Scorched Reprise comes with 3 tracks or around 13 minutes of new music with the opening, song Secret Keeper released, as a single so far. There is a lot of praise and positivity surrounding Icarus Lives, as well as a lot of excitement to hear Scorched Reprise, in particular to see what Aria Scarlett brings to the release. For me, I think this is my first listen so I go in with no real expectations but a lot of anticipation.

Getting underway with a nice lead guitar intro before transforming into a punchy riff and a much heavier sound than I was expecting, I find myself instantly engaged. The heavy vocals, and speed of delivery is really cool and the backing rhythm of pounding drums and thick bass lines really hits you with force. The clean vocals have a haunting edge to them, almost bewitching before suddenly jumping to higher, operatic tones.

It sounds fresh and interesting as a song. Lots of little moments take place that instantly regrab any waning attention. The whispered vocals are cool, and a little creepy, and the instrumental section is a pure headbangers delight. The solo is pretty neat thought he drum beat in that ending section really catches your ear. Very cool.

Linear follows the excellent opener and switches things up with melancholic melody before the drums add a layer of excitement to the background. Layers keep arriving as the lead guitars scream into life and the drums pick up a marching beat. That’s how you start a track! The clean vocals jump in as the pace picks up dramatically. The singer is insanely listenable and I love the flow and speed of delivery. It has energy and excitement but masses of feeling. Little breaks for the growled vocals keep the song punching hard and occasional clean/rough harmonising always works. The flaming lead guitars that blaze out an inferno along with a thick rhythm section and growled vocals will ignite any mosh pit before a closing section of groove with more exciting drum and bass work sitting alongside a haunting mesmerising vocal section leaves you gasping for more.

And more you get, with the final track Decomposure. Again Icarus Lives offer something a little different here, or maybe a combination of the two tracks heard before. Structurally exciting, and quite progressive, that stop start riffing and intricate drum pattern is fresh and invigorating. The subtle vocals add tension before the tempo jumps up led by the lead guitars. The power in the vocals echoes through in the exciting chorus in a track that continues to evolve and change as you listen. A heavier section that comes with aggressive vocals and chunky riffing gets that neck working again before the guitars blaze out a fiery solo. From that, everything switches again with operatic vocals sitting above instrumentation that feels truly epic to bring the song towards it’s end and ensure Scorched Reprise leaves a lasting impression.

There is obviously something in the water out in Australia – they are on a roll, churning out some of the most exciting young bands in metal over the last 5 years or so and you can add Icarus Lives to that list. A short but sweet introduction to the band for me, Scorched Reprise is an exciting release that balances heavy and melodic perfectly to create a captivating listen. The EP, I think, works really well as an introduction to the band showcasing different styles and ideas. It is probably the perfect way to check out the band if you haven’t before. You won’t be disappointed and I have no doubt, trying Scorched Reprise out will leave you with the same thoughts as me. Icarus Lives are awesome, why have I not heard these before?

Pre-save ‘Scorched Reprise’ from Icarus Lives here.

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