SONG REVIEW: Parting Wounds - "The End of It All"
“Parting Wounds bring the riffs back to metalcore in new single”
by Jesse Smith
Parting Wounds is an up and coming band from the Southern California area who has started to release music less than a year ago and is breaking into their scene with force. As metalcore is evolving almost faster than we can keep up with, Parting Wounds have an “old school” vibe bringing riffs and groove back to the genre. Last single they put out titled “Phantom Pain” had a very melodic and emotional tone similar to bands like Bullet For My Valentine which I loved! Recently they have just released their 4th single titled “The End of It All” and this song has a completely different vibe to it.
While the last song was more emotional, this was more raw and in your face! While keeping that earlier metalcore spirit, this song was definitely made out of aggression and raw energy. What stood out to me the most was the consistent groove the song had which I feel has been lost in modern metalcore. We can really shout out the drummer Josh Tavera for holding that down and really having full control over the song. On the percussion end, this song had some tricky change ups and transitions that kept the song fresh and exciting. Vocalist Josh Blurr was also a highlight as his vocal performance gave the song feeling and grit. The raw production gave the song so much character and showed the band’s musicianship as a whole. By the time I finished the song, I knew that live, this one would be the crowd mover or the energy booster in the set. As a musician, we all have those songs strategically placed in the set to ramp up the energy after maybe a slower song or more of a sing-along styled song, both having their place but completely different vibes and meanings. I think this song was the perfect follow up to their last.
Parting Wounds has been around less than a year and already has 4 singles out now, this is the way to do it as a local coming up the ranks! Having a consistent release schedule throughout the year is SO important not only for your fanbase that you are establishing, but to show the progression of the band. What will the band’s identity be? It’s still in the early stages and some bands even that are signed and touring are still figuring it out, the only way to truly know are keep releasing music you love and there’ll be people who love it like you do! Parting Wounds has a solid foundation to build on and sky is the limit.