SONG REVIEW: Illicit Thoughts - "Dolore"
Illicit Thoughts bring metalcore back to its roots with a modern flare in “Dolore”
Written by JD Walker
Metalcore is a genre that’s arguably seen the greatest amount of progression over the years - originally pioneered by bands such as Killswitch Engage and Parkway Drive, the genre was focused on driving riffs, crushing rhythms, and overall heaviness. The genre soon gave way to the more scenecore-esque stylings brought on by the likes of Asking Alexandria and Of Mice & Men before eventually melding into a part of the djent movement. Whatever happened to the original sound of metalcore, though? Illicit Thoughts have found the perfect middle ground of all three eras of metalcore in their latest single, “Dolore”.
“Dolore” opens with a chorus of atmospheric gang vocals before kicking into a straight forward, driving riff fest akin to classic Parkway Drive. The following section sees a subdivision change into a groovier triplet pattern that also forays into a more djent-driven sound before picking up right where the previous section left off. The song continues to build energy until dropping into a breakdown section featuring a tempo change - while changes in tempo can be jarring, Illicit Thoughts pulled it off surprisingly well and never lost the audience with it. From the first breakdown came an even heavier, half timed breakdown that was absolutely brutal.
The Utah-based quartet composed of Dalton “Illicit” Relph, Eli Potter, Oakley Sparrow, and Michael Denis certainly have a promising career - formed in 2019,”Dolore” is just the latest offering in their catalogue that features two other singles and an EP. The band aims to combat mental health issues and articulate the individual battles that the members have gone through, sparking the namesake of the band. Through intense songwriting and connective lyrics, Illicit Thoughts stay true to their message and battle their demons with a vengeance.
Illicit Thoughts are a refreshing group for the metalcore community - as so many bands are following the same path and seemingly exploring the same sounds over and over again, this Utah metalcore group have found a way to bridge all three definitive sounds over the history of the genre and found a modern and unique way to authentically play the genre. Bands like Illicit Thoughts are an exciting breath of fresh air for the world of heavier music and have certainly show the propensity to have a long and illustrious career following this path.