Seeking to claim their own foothold on the mountain of metalcore, New York’s Surfacing are off to a good start on the ascent to the pinnacle of the genre on their debut release, Chaos Through Clarity. Infused with styles similar to Avenged Sevenfold, Killswitch Engage, Trivium, and August Burns Red, the Greenpoint, Brooklyn quintet is comprised of highly accomplished musicians – led by the twin guitar attack of founding member Joe D and Brian Wenzler, bassist Adam Magosa, drummer Tony Gabriel and vocalist Ryan Mayorga, Surfacing have taken their metalcore influences and formed them into their own unique and monumental sound. [columns] [column size=”1/3″]
Album Title: Chaos Through Clarity
Release Date: 18 December 2015
Playing Time: 00:57:25
Kicking off with the healthy track “Thank You for The Inspiration,” which features pounding rhythms, stellar guitar writing and Ryan Mayorga switching between guttural lows and soaring highs. “Demons of Attica” is straight ahead power metal. Written in the style of Killswitch Engage, it showcases again the heavy guitar work Surfacing seems to be so very adept at. Their east coast style of metalcore shows their dedication to the band.
During the writing and recording of Chaos Through Clarity, Surfacing had some dark times when guitarist Joe D was incarcerated. Although this would’ve caused many bands to fold, Surfacing stayed true their work, and when Joe D was released on good behavior they moved full steam ahead. The result is a solid, tight, and powerful metal album.
I listened to this release several times front to back, and there are no weak tracks. None. Which is rare in my opinion. My personal favorites are “Thank You for The Inspiration,” “Demons of Attica,” and the title track, “Chaos Through Clarity.”
Surfacing has paid their dues, and are seeking to ascend the metalcore throne. With their guitar chops alone they will be successful. Throw in Ryan Mayorga’s vocals, and heavy rhythms and you’ve got the formula for success. The chorus of “Thank You for The Inspiration” features the lyric “All that’s left is to find a way to link the pieces together…” Surfacing has linked those pieces together with Chaos Through Clarity.
