HALF ME - SOMA
Half Me have made a powerful statement with their debut release Soma, with their presence being felt amongst the heavy hitters at the top of the metal scene. Hailing from Hamburg, Germany the group merge the melodic intrigues of nu-metal with the brutality of hardcore in a feast for the ears. If there is a manner in which to emerge relevant into a music scene, take notes from this band.
Their style is developed in the first track ‘Wraith’ where both the more melodic side of the tonality is allowed to flourish between the guttural hardcore elements and a top breakdown. Which transitions into a peppy, tech backed aggressive single ‘Trauma Culture’ further solidifying core components that distinguish their iconic sound.
These tracks resonate similarities with names like Alpha Wolf and Void of Vision but not so much that they come off as imitations, proof that Half Me ooze talent and potential. This is likely a result of the foundation in which the band was birthed; the 5 members formed after the demise of their former local bands in 2018, catalysed to form the powerhouse they now consist of.
After the initial opening to the first act, this is when Half Me begin to show off the immensity of Soma. ‘Distort’ is a full frontal attack from start to finish, as it develops and maintains audible intrigue leading into to its hard-hitting breakdown. It clearly shows a lot of time and thought has been put into the songwriting, where every section is well-crafted and grapples the audience’s attention.
There has been a downfall that has stagnated a lot of the metalcore scene of late where releases have often been predictable in their structure and focused around a key component within tracks with little substance surrounding it. Half Me have managed to adhere to some of the conventions to display familiarity to a new audience whilst building fully developed pieces that connect and parry off one another, leaving the listener with an enjoyable experience that feels fresh.
The middle-third of the album is a great example of this, as it conforms to a familiar pattern of the genre but keeps it interesting with distinctive melodies that emerge out of the recurring themes. It ticks all the boxes and has a variety of tonalities that keeps you guessing as to how the album progresses towards a closing chapter. It’s at this point where the concept of the album feels more grounded, where the the rest of the album retains a bit of an abstract narrative that proves difficult to pinpoint.
The final act of the album is a fantastic end as it feels like this natural end winding down, and there’s a semblance of the protagonist of the story, holding on to control which is felt within the pensive beat driving ‘I Am But a Guest in Exile’. With the highlight of Soma being the interlude ‘Mitternacht’ leading into ‘Half Me’, an emphatic conclusion that bursts with cavernous riffs and atmosphere further solidifying the gravitas of emotion felt up until this point. It also implies that this is the beginning of the next step forward, potentially feeding into whatever comes after Soma.
Half Me have jumped into the genre with two feet running and judging by the quality displayed, will continue to show development of their sound as they rise amongst the big names leading the way. There is a marked wealth of experience that has been put into Soma which comes as a surprise from a new group on the block, with a very polished sound. The only thing that lets it down is a struggle to establish the concept of the album or narrative in many of the songs that would evolve it from great to excellent but it’s mesmerising musicality makes up where the latter lacks.
This is a very exciting release and lovers of the metalcore and hardcore scene will find a lot of joy out of this release. The German 5 piece are ones to watch, so keep tabs on how they rise in their journey and as they tour over the year.
David Barter
★★★★☆