EP Review: Ways – Are We Still Alive? (Self Released)

Hailing from Paris, France, Ways are an alternative metal/post hardcore band who have released a slew of EPs and singles since 2016. Never one to stay still for too long, they now present their brand-new EP, ‘Are We Still Alive?’, out on March 1st, 2024.

The band’s message:

“Are we still alive?” It’s a question we’ve faced regularly over the past three years, regarding the state of the band. Between the two years of COVID-related crisis that have prevented us from seeing each other, rehearsing and playing live, line-up changes and certain upheavals in the lives of certain band members that have impacted the way we work, compose and record, we’ve spent a lot of time hanging on and finding solutions to continue to exist. We’re proud to be here and to present this new EP. Of course, the various themes addressed by the songs on this EP are also consistent with this question.

Without trying to sound like a broken record, it must be stated again that more people need to be paying attention to Ways. With release after release, they continue to improve and the mark they leave with their exciting blend of alternative metal and post hardcore is extremely notable. There simply isn’t a bad track on the EP, the epitome of ‘all killer, no filler’.

Melody meets metal in an emphatic way and Ways kick off the EP with a ballsy blast of anthemic heavy energy. It’s the perfect way to get the adrenaline absolutely pumping, but the moving melodic drop is very special too.

It is just one of five banger tracks though, and the quality continues with Why Do We Fall? A track that begins in a way that suggests it might be more hard rock orientated, but turns into a feral post hardcore blast with a massive singalong chorus. Before ending in a hugely melodic way.

Then there is World Worn Out, a groovy pit-starter that oozes passion, has some wonderful poppy layers, and delivers a breakdown to make teeth ache and bones rattle. Before Erase delivers a fast-paced, energetic, thought-provoking, and intense listen. Another fantastic chorus that rises, Ways showcasing power throughout.

The finale? A new version of the 2022 single, So Far So Good, and an example of how far this band has come in such a short amount of time. Refreshing, but familiar, it’s one of the band’s most beloved tracks, for good reason, as it is such a bright and brilliant anthem.

Five tracks, five of the best alternative metal and post hardcore tracks you will hear this year. Are We Still Alive? is a must listen for everyone and anyone. Stop sleeping on Ways, they really are this f**king good.

Ways – Are We Still Alive? Track Listing:

1. Forgiveness
2. Why Do We Fall?
3. World Worn Out
4. Erase
5. So Far So Good (New Version)

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