exist†trace - THIS IS NOW

exist†trace are back with another mini-album titled THIS IS NOW. Initially met with a lot of criticism from fans for having a sound similar to that of an anime opening, other fans have cited that although the band have shifted focus to a more pop-based sound, there are still undertones of the heavy guitar and powerful screams that the band are known for.

The mini-album’s title track THIS IS NOW makes a highly energetic start. Between Jyo's screams, miko's ever-impressive guitar work and sounds of shattering glass, exist†trace seem to be breaking the wall that constricts them within that melodic, death metal genre they were known for in their early days. The song really sets the tone for what’s to follow.

DREAM RIDER starts off with a more electronic feel. The most notable part comes in the breakdown, when we are met with Jyo huskily shouting "Keep your hands up. Don't give up yourself. Keep your face up," before bringing it back to the uplifting chorus. By comparison, Shout Out has a much more melodic feel, and is a great example of Omi's amazing arrangements.

Similar to DREAM RIDER, Neo-Japanese Heroine has a much more prevalent pop influence. Featuring an electronic breakdown with auto-tuned vocals, the song’s lyrics and faster pace make it very catchy. The mellower TWIN WINGS flows effortlessly with rhythmic guitars and Jyo's haunting vocals. She strikes a slightly harsher tone in the chorus, and combined with the heavier guitars and drums, this perfectly-executed tonal shift really drives the song forward.

The mini-album’s final song, BLAST, is a complete flip from TWIN WINGS, featuring much heavier bass and drums right from the intro. The vocals start off very much with a call-and-response style and push the song forward, and the guitar solo is especially mind blowing.

BLAST is very much a dance track. and a great way to end a mini-album that crosses so many genre lines. Although the band’s fan base has been divided about their musical progression, this is a new direction for exist†trace and one that many fans will appreciate.



THIS IS NOW was released on March 16th, and is available via Amazon MP3 and iTunes.