Whether it be the new wave of old school death metal, the reincarnation of 2000’s screamo or the resurgence of late 90s' mathcore, it seems there’s no escaping music from the past. Michigan’s Wounded Touch are very much part of this nostalgic movement, with their take on 2000’s metalcore summoning influences from legends such as Norma Jean, Skycamefalling and Poison The Well. Basically, if you’re in your mid-30s or beyond, this album will get you digging out those old Trustkill records while reminiscing about moshing without a bad back or dodgy knee.
A Vivid Depiction of Collapse isn’t just a history lesson or homage to bygone times (although it does a damn good job at that), there are plenty of original hooks and flourishes as the band twist and swerve through industrial intros, melodic crescendos and feral beatdowns. This eclectic approach helps keep the listener on their toes, but they never stray too far from their cherished inspirations. The album grows in confidence as it progresses, with delightfully intricate touches rearing their head in among all the furious riffage. “An Unscarred Purpose”, for example, ticks all these boxes, as its vulnerable guitar intro slowly builds into something much more imposing, before cleverly coming full circle.
To these ears, Wounded Touch have a sweet spot when veering on the heavier side of things, with opening track “If I Could Make Your Pain My Own” punching particularly hard. Second single “Consequence and Broadcast” is another highlight with its early Killswitch Engage vibes and intelligent melodic final third. “Damning Variable” has a distinct nod to Christian metalcore titans Zao, especially in terms of the vocal delivery and distorted spoken word sections (keep an ear out for TJ Miller of Still Remains on this track). While we're talking about the vocals, I'm pleased to report that the band don't feel the need to go full emo, keeping things pretty fierce throughout, with cleaner vocals used as seasoning only.
Their previous full length “Amercianxiety” was a dark and disturbed offering about the state of society. This new release feels more considered, as though they’ve come to terms with the fact the world is messed up, but they’re still not particularly happy about it. Last year’s split with Fallfiftyfeet hinted at some progression in the Wounded Touch sound (as well as honesty in their lyrics about artists need for praise and acceptance), but this evolution has now been fully explored and realised. They demonstrate a lightness of touch and ability to know when to show restraint. The whole album breathes and flows effortlessly but there are more than enough complexities to coax you back for repeated listens.
Wounded Touch have delivered a top tier modern metalcore album by utilising all the elements their scene heroes laid down over twenty years ago. Will this add fuel to the nostalgia flames? Yes, absolutely. But if we’re getting albums of this calibre, maybe we should care a bit less about the labels we love to brandish and just enjoy the music being created. A Vivid Depiction of Collapse wears its heart on its sleeve, proudly parading those retro influences in broad daylight, while also standing squarely on its own two feet.