Single Slam: Set You Free by While She Sleeps (So What?)

We were lucky enough to get hold of the latest USB with new tracks on it from UK metalcore/hardcore band, While She Sleeps. A firm favourite of GBHBL we’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of their new and fourth studio album, So What? Due to be released on March 1st 2019.

If you want to get up to speed with our thoughts on songs released so far, you can read our reviews below.

Anti-social
Haunt Me
The Guilty Party

So What? is looking like While She Sleeps most varied and ambitious album so far. Contrast what we’ve heard so far on the album to what came on This is the Six and you can certainly see they’re heading in a different direction. A lot of this is down to the vocals something that has been forced on the band as frontman Loz has had numerous throat surgeries.

This new direction seems to be dividing fans with just as many hating it as loving. Truthfully, we’re not completely sold but have been waiting until we hear the new album to make up our mind. The first song on the USB, Elephant went a long way in convincing us that the album is going to be great (read our review of that track here). The question is how does Set You Free Stack up?

A slower more melodic track, the much talked about choir makes an appearance as the song begins before a really traditional sounding Sleeps riff kicks in. It keeps things mellow for a bit before the pace quickens and things start to get a bit more ‘hardcore’. Surprisingly catchy, it gets heavier and faster with the vocals getting rawer and more throat shredding leading to the chorus.

Hoping for an explosive breakdown? That’s not the case unfortunately, instead it goes for a more mellow approach. It’s a shame as it seems tailor-made for a moment for everyone to lose their mind. Instead, it kind of just makes you stop even if it’s still really enjoyable.

It wouldn’t surprise me if this is the penultimate or final track on the album as it’s got a real ‘finale’ feel to it. Then as it reaches the last minute, out of nowhere While She Sleeps delivers one of the heaviest breakdowns they’ve ever done. A painful scream followed by an absolute terror show of hardcore heaviness. It’s bloody brilliant.

You can grab all the singles now on all the usual streaming platforms, like Apple Music and Spotify now. Pre-order your copy of So What? at the band’s website here. Keep up to date with information on the band and the new album at their website, on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.