Full Review

Unfound Reliance, Rise Review

Unfound Reliance is a Swedish melodic death metal band that describes themselves as “First Aid Kit but with Metal guitars.” Though a strange self-portrayal for a metal band combining introspective, at times melancholic lyrics with a passion for melody that draws inspiration from the Gothenburg sound pioneers, the analogy does fit. Starting as a hard rock cover band in their native Karlstad and picking up their instruments simultaneously at school, Unfound Reliance has maintained a mostly consistent lineup since 2013. The band’s single “End Time,” released in 2017, hit the top position on Swedish national radio station P3’s program for upcoming acts. The song was on rotation on the top 10 for five consecutive weeks, getting the band a place on the station’s top 20 most successful bands that year. Unfound Reliance then signed to Rexius Records and participated in Karlstad’s renowned festival “Putte i parken” some months later. Their single “Cowards and Heroes,” released in 2018, has conquered legions of listeners in Latin America and Europe. Their EP, A Layered Mind, which was produced by Peter Iwers (ex In Flames), which they describe as “The combination of hating life but being happy to have it.” Unfound Reliance is now releasing their single, “Rise.”

Bottom Line: “Rise” continues the band prime directive of misanthropic individualism with their inward-looking message that is thoroughly balanced with the idea of togetherness: “In the face of adversity, we humans have better chances of surviving if we unite. The band’s idea is not just singing TO the people, but WITH them,” as frontman Andrew Johansson explains. “Rise” was the first song the band wrote for their upcoming album and sets the tone for how the whole album sounds. The band says, “Before the writing process, we agreed about three things: It has to be heavy, melodic, and groovy, and those words were the only guidelines we had for the entire writing process.” Opening with a driving guitar figure and drums, the band’s full force builds to a catchy harmonized guitar melody. The guttural vocals are powerful and fit the feel of the music and drive of the band. The song form has textures and densities over time that make it exciting and interesting. “Rise” has a big chorus with clear vocals and a clear message. The two guitars are balanced and create a wall of power supported by driving bass and propelling drums as each section has multiple intricacies that play with feel and density. In conclusion, this all unites to yield a solid listen with profound meaning; “Rise!” That’s the short of it!