SONG REVIEW: Constellations - "RIP"

Constellations give a nod to Warped Tour Metalcore with their debut single, RIP 

by Jesse Smith

I know I say it a lot, that a song reminds me of when I was in high school, but this one really takes me back. Ohio’s newest metalcore band called “Constellations” has dropped their very first single titled “RIP”. As I geared up for the first listen, I watched the lyric video that came with the song, which immediately transported me back! You don’t see a lot of those anymore and I don’t know why.. But then again there are a bunch of early 2010’s things that I wish would make a reappearance, so the lyric video for me was a +10 off the bat. Starting off on a good foot, let’s dive into RIP! 

I was locked in within the first 10 seconds. As simple as the opening it, it’s effective and the panned guitars before the kick in were a lovely little touch to grab the neurodivergent crowd’s attention. From the opening lines, I knew this song was going to ooze warped tour metalcore. The opening vocal pattern was exactly what I thought it would be but the follow up line had some swag to it. Elongating the second line while still holding tight to the flow was pretty sick! Unlike some of the pop punk emo music that comes through here, these lyrics and vocals are more raw and primal which brings out the aggression. The chorus section of the song is very pop-y and is and is different vibe than the heavier sections, but even with those being different the transitions between them are pretty seamless. The guitar work and riffs are what stands out to me the most. Hitting heavy while still cutting through the mix and standing out. 

If you told me this was the band’s first ever single, I wouldn’t believe you. I had to figure that fact out for myself! The chemistry and direction the band has is already there and pretty solid. It was really cool hearing the nuances of metalcore from the early 2010’s. Ohio has always been a hub for great acts and this is no exception. A very strong lead off single by these guys and I can’t wait to hear more.