Review Summary: Metalcore cake.
For those who are familiar with baking, you would know that baking a cake follows a basic recipe with universal basic ingredients. Generally, you have eggs, flour, butter, sugar, and milk that are combined to form a dough that rises in the oven. Despite most cakes being of a similar composition, a truly amazing cake often stands above the rest. It isn’t doing anything wildly different than the others, but the execution, finesse, and precision that goes into the baking process creates a euphoric experience for the recipient. Similar things can be said for Still Stayer’s
Everend.
Progressive Metalcore band Still Stayer are not doing anything that you won’t find elsewhere, but their songwriting talent and execution create a stimulating listen for progcore fans. Christopher Davis’s riffs are more fleshed out and unending as it always seems that he has more to say with his instrument. Outside of when he falls into common djent tropes like in "The Cycle", every guitar lick and riff feel fresh and purposeful. A main highlight is the vocals of Luke Steffens, who mainly guides listeners with a low growl comparable to JT Cavey, but occasionally uses a higher shriek to add texture. The intro track is an excellent showcase of the vocalist's range. Albeit seldomly used, Steffens adds another dynamic with his smooth clean vocals.
From the technical guitarwork to the versatile vocals,
Everend establishes itself as a delectable metalcore cake. As a unit, Still Stayer provide a fun experience with their skillful songwriting that will keep any progcore enthusiast interested in what they have to offer. Although they play it safe, Still Stayer display great potential for the coming future.
