EP Review: Vatic – Mercer 217 (Self Released)

Mercer 217 is a brand-new conceptual EP from Melbourne metalcore band Vatic. It will be released on October 21st, 2022.

The overarching story is set at East Mercer, 217; the home of protagonist Chance, a man who is haunted, tormented and manipulated into horrific acts of violence. The EP tells a tale of the bodies he hides inside his home, the fact soon becomes clear they are not buried properly so spirits live on at East Mercer.

It’s one thing saying that your music is conceptual and quite another to express that to the listener. The generic term of ‘metalcore’ doesn’t exactly lend itself to a deep and detailed conceptual release. The music might be great but does the story come through?

With Mercer 217, almost immediately, thanks to the uncomfortable start of Not Ready to Die. A track that shifts tone halfway through and Vatic’s punchy metalcore side starts to rise up. An introduction that is short of 2-minutes long and tells you you’re in for a wild ride.

A ride that doesn’t just tell a horrific story but makes you live it. Vatic’s passionate outbursts, scathing approach and melodic lulls, the tools of death and decay. The layers of instrumental horror, akin to bodies plied high in dark and tight confines. It’s this level of imagination and the uninhibited metalcore intensity that makes the likes of Silver Glass, The Colour in Your Eyes and 217 such compelling listens. The first half of this EP living up to the promise of an unforgettable story.

As for the second half? It may very well be stronger, thanks to a track as virulent and dangerous sounding as No Sleep. The epitome of how dark Vatic can make their metalcore sound. Then there is Dead End, a two-minute intermission heavy on sinister effects, and the roaring blend of grinding heaviness and melodic intensity that is Remember East Mercer.

How could you forget it?

In fact, how could you forget the entire experience? Especially when it ends with something as ruthlessly gloomy as Let Me Die. One last incredible effort from an extremely talented group. Mercer 217 doesn’t just tell its story brilliantly, it’s also packed with memorable metalcore tunes.

Vatic – Mercer 217 Full Track Listing:

1. Not Ready to Die
2. Silver Glass
3. The Colour in Your Eyes
4. 217
5. No Sleep
6. Dead End
7. Remember East Mercer
8. Let Me Die

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