EP Review: Shatterface – Deviate (Self Released)

Digital metal band, Shatterface return with their second EP ‘Deviate’, a release that unpacks themes based around fear, disbelief and rage. It follows on from their well-received debut EP ‘Anodize’ and will be released on December 13th, 2024.

Released over a year ago, ‘Anodize’ showcased an interesting blend of dark industrial metal sounds, modern electronica, and death metal intensity. It was a solid release that showed Shatterface had promise, something they continue to build on with this new four-track EP.

Kicking things off, Aftermath is an immediate hit of heavy atmosphere, garish industrialisation, and feral metal. It’s a bulky track that lacks flair, and while all the elements are interesting, they don’t go very well together here. Thankfully Amplify is much improved as the electronica twists are clever, the thick industrial rhythms sit more comfortably alongside the guttural vocals, and there’s clean singing/melody here that makes this track feel very ‘Fear Factory’.

It’s not the worst comparison to have, and the legendary industrial band must be an influence on what Shatterface are doing here. Of course, being inspired by and ripping off are two different things, but happily, Shatterface do manage to sound like their own thing as the EP’s second half introduces Depreciate and ends with Dominate.

The former is more metal focused, with notable heavy and chuggy riffs, but still has an ‘all over place’ feel that doesn’t make for the most pleasant of listening. While the latter, has a real punchy vibe and certainly delivers powerful industrial aura.

A hit and miss EP, but it is progression. You can hear the band that Shatterface are becoming and it’s exciting to witness.

Shatterface – Deviate Track Listing:

1. Aftermath
2. Amplify
3. Depreciate
4. Dominate

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