Album Review | Haste The Day "Coward" (A final farewell from the burning bridges to the attack of the wolf king)

The greatness of Christcore holds no bounds to the sure amount of joy that the scene has felt over the years. Whether or not you are a person of faith doesn't constitute to the sure love that the community has filled the scene with in the past 20-25 years; Garnering a fanbase of love and respect for not just each other but for everyone, while also becoming a safe haven for the younger generation to find their sense of purpose and belonging. And with one of the pioneers of the scene and genre Haste The Day has lived through that message throughout it's 20 year period, and on their final record "Coward" we see that perspective shine through while also bringing a new and unique sound that still stands as innovative and groundbreaking all these years later.

The thoughts of "what if this is end" is something that is felt throughout the record. With a strong and unique perspective that fills the record with a joy and purpose that is just "let's make a record like it's our last and have fun doing it" is at the core of the record and you definitely feel it too as "Coward" tackles topics that are not foreign to the band by any means, but instead adding more to the conversation while still promoting the love and community that the band has preached since it's infancy is a much needed resolve.

The fact that this record was recorded with all members new and old is something that has always been fascinating and intriguing about this record as every piece of the band is all here and accounted for; as nothing feels out of place and everything feels like an evolution of every record until this one. Every member here is utilized to their greatest strengths with the heavy guitar and bass that you are used to being all present, the pulsating drums performed by the legendary Giuseppe "Gypsy" Capolupo and Devin Chaulk utilizing their efforts for some insane drum work, and vocalists Stephen Keech and Jimmy Ryan bringing in some insane disgustable rage and angst with their vocal chemistry. The record is "haste the day" to it's very core and it is outstanding.

Musically, the record is once again "Haste The Day" with some fantastic and at times brutal metalcore moments that feel ripped right out of the scene days while also bringing in unique twists and turns that make the record sound more unique as the years go on; bringing in elements of post-hardcore, black metal, hardcore punk, and straight forward rock 'n' roll, that in tern helps make the package more memorable.

The record's opener 'Begin' beautifully sets the tone for what you will expect on the record as the sound feels like it would have fit right at home with the Attack Of The Wolf King era.

'Take' instantly pushes forward with an exhilarating fast-paced punk track that also throws in elements of black metal and crossover-thrash for good measure and it never gets old the more and more times you play it.

'World' is a beautiful piece of work that cuts through with a powerful track that shines through the darkness and brings it to light with the phrase "Is it enough to watch the world go by or start a revolution" being a powerful message that cuts the deepest.

'Coward' is a phenomenal throwback track that feels like it would have fit at home right along side the Pressure The Hinges and Dreamer eras of the band, bringing in a more straight forward metalcore ripper.

'Shadow' is an insane track that is indeed the "darkest" track on the record playing to more of a sound that you would find on an Converge or Deafheaven record, garnering more towards a mathcore, black metal, and art rock sound that while unique it's definitely a shakeup on the record that calms things down before the rest of the record hits you like a freight train; And who can forget the haunting performance from the record's only guest feature Janell Belcher formerly of The Ember Days fame making her performance known as she shines through with a haunting innocence that feels both mesmerizing and memorable.

'Fail' brings the punk riffs back in for another round of sure angst and aggression, filling the room with a venue wide circle pit that would have any crowd amped and energized.

'Accept' is the throwback track for a reason as this track is completely helmed by the original members and the sounds that they crafted feel straight out of the Burning Bridges and When Everything Falls eras and the results are exquisite.

And 'Gnaw' is yet another punk ripper that closes out the record proudly as the energy of Comeback Kid, Stick To Your Guns, and Counterparts pays homage to the modern era of post-hardcore and hardcore punk in perfect fashion.

In closing, "Coward" is a masterpiece and a some what forgotten gem in the scene and serves as a perfect example of a band getting back together and making a record that they can be proud of.

Haste The Day completely outdid themselves by creating a modern classic that is still as memorable today as it did back in 2015, and if this indeed the end of Haste The Day and the end of their legacy then what a way to mark the end of an era and a closing of the chapter that was Haste The Day. - Samuel Cook

Rating: 5/5