Review Summary: Gothic metal revitalised in the modern era.
Maggie Lindemann's "HEADSPLIT" offers a fresh spin on contemporary alternative metal. This EP showcases her blending the genre with modern pop influences, creating a unique sound. One standout feature is the synths, which have a dissonant and eerie feel that sets her apart in a crowded scene. The production is heavily compressed, reminiscent of Bad Omens, but it still manages to shine on its own.
The music has a gothic feel, echoing bands like Evanescence but with a modern twist. Lindemann's vocals are impressive, especially in tracks like "die for," where she really pushes her range. "you hold my love" is a beautiful, tender moment that highlights her vocal prowess, with a melancholic tone enhanced by her use of vibrato. She exudes confidence, adding to her captivating presence. The chorus features a stunning drum and bass segment, complemented by her falsetto that truly captivates. Meanwhile, "deprecating" leans into trap metal, showcasing Lindemann's versatility, even if it’s not the strongest track. Here, she adopts a sinister tone. Like a succubus, ready to drain your life force after drawing you in with an attractive exterior. Along with glitchy production adding to that unsettling tone. Siiickbrain also delivers a memorable performance, contributing some of the EP's harshest vocals that definitely grab your attention.
The song "hostage" really stands out, showcasing a cool phaser effect on the guitar and an incredibly alluring vocal performance from Lindemann. The lyrics really shine, showcasing Lindemann's desire to please her partner. It gives off a feel of a toxic relationship, where that deep longing can blur the lines, making someone want to follow their partner's every command, even if they know it’s not the best choice. The chorus drives this message home with some impressive vocal work from Lindemann. She captures that feeling perfectly with lines like "be patient with me," highlighting her wish to be compliant. The melodies are super catchy too, blending a melancholic feel with an exciting twist. "HEADSPLIT" feels like a fresh take on Evanescence, mixing a captivating gothic presentation with modern production and a vocal performance that really stands out in today’s music scene.
