Los Angeles’ Upon Stone are labeled as melodic death metal. However, that may lead one to compare them to bands from Insomnium to Dark Tranquillity. At first glance, the group appears to have all the elements that would sum up a melodeath act until you give their music a fair listen. Formed in 2021, is a clue that there could be more work to define their style fully, but already the band has made praise resulting in signing with Century Media Records, and now their debut album, Dead Mother Moon, arrived on Friday (19th). While their music is described as not only embracing but reinventing the early ’90s melodeath sound, delivering a ferocity surpassing Scandinavian influences, there’s still a plethora of United States-based influences. And we’re looking at the metalcore subgenre.
Formed during the pandemic, the group traces back to members’ teenage years when vocalist/bassist Xavier Wahlberg, drummer Wyatt Bentley, and guitarist Ronny Marks started playing together in various Valley-based outfits. While their influences stem from Children of Bodom, In Flames, and Dissection, their execution gives a more screamo metalcore sense of style. This doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing, it’s just what the record sounds at a whole, at least from our perspective and we will be blunt about it. Dead Mother Moon is considered a nine-song onslaught of Melodeath, produced and mixed by Taylor Young.
After a full, fair listen, Dead Mother Moon catapults listeners into a realm of unrelenting energy and explosive soundscapes. The album’s opening track, “Dead Mother Moon,” is a formidable introduction characterized by heavy, energetic riffs and relentless blast beats, evoking early death and thrash influences. Upon Stone explores a more metalcore style with “Onyx Through the Heart,” delivering intricate guitar riffs, aggressive tones, and dynamic shifts that showcase their versatility. “My Destiny; A Weapon” continues the metalcore-esque assault with a mix of harsh heaviness, catchy hooks, and melodic nuances, featuring a compelling guitar solo and synth outro.
“Dusk Sang Fairest” provides a brief respite, introducing a slower yet melodic pace, offering a welcomed break from the preceding intensity. The collaboration with Shadows Fall on “Paradise Failed” elevates the album’s momentum, delivering a standout track with a perfect blend of heaviness and catchiness. “Nocturnalism” acts as a deliberate slowdown, serving as an intermission-like medley, while “To Seek and Follow the Call of Lions” roars back with relentless blast beats and dueling guitar riffage, solidifying itself as another robust track.
“The Lantern,” referred to as the official album closer, features a harsh intro that evolves into a diverse medley, showcasing Upon Stone’s ability in composition and execution. With its engaging and fun atmosphere, “The Lantern” is another formidable track. The album concludes with the bonus track “Dig Up Her Bones,” exhibiting experimentation with a punk rock vibe. Dead Mother Moon serves better as a metalcore record with melodeath influences. Regardless, it’s a decent debut and worth listening to.
Rating: 3/5
