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Over the last few years, Northern England-based progressive metallers Sertraline have been, not-so-quietly, building up quite a reputation as a band in the ascendency, a band marked as “one to watch”. 2019’s ‘Relapse’ brought the five-piece acclaim across the board, and now with new drummer Si firmly ensconced in the band, Sertraline have produced ‘Clouded Lines & Silver Lines’, five tracks that shine a light on the growth within the band in such a short time.
The technical side of Sertraline has developed greatly, as have the harsh vocals from frontwoman Lizzie Parry. Opening track, and lead single, ‘Inside Out’ doesn’t waste any time in highlighting the different aspects of the Sertraline sound; the lighter-than-light intro which fools the listener about the direction of the track, the heightened technical abilities from all, and the perfect mix of harsh and clean vocals. Although ‘Inside Out’ features some intense screams from Parry, it’s still very hook orientated. When she screams, “How many times have you lost yourself?”, it’s easy to imagine a crowd screaming the words with her. ‘Mean To Me II’ goes with harsh vocals from the off, changing to soaring clean vocals for the chorus. The riffs are precise and hit their intended target each time, but it’s the pounding rhythm work from the all-new engine room team of bassist Hendo and Si on drums that linger on long after the song fades out.
The growth in the songwriting department is best highlighted by the emotional ‘2205’. Dealing with the tragic bombing of the Ariana Grande gig in Manchester (which Lizzie was attending), it is as powerful as it is emotional, and when she screams “We won’t let them win, stand together as we say, Hate will never be the death of me”, it is with a real sense of defiance. ‘Screaming For Sleep’ has a fantastic progressive feel to it, especially the combination of stellar bass drum work with razor sharp riffage. The clean vocals take centre stage on this catchy number. Being so light and airy, they enhance the harsh vocals when they come in. Closing track ‘Isolation’ quickly comes crashing in at the back of ‘Screaming For Sleep’, and again the ever-improving technical abilities of Sertraline are clear for all to see. Lots of twists and turns throughout, with a killer guitar solo to blow off the cobwebs.
It may only be five tracks in length, but ‘Clouded Lines & Silver Lines’ packs an almighty punch.
Available May 15th, more information here.
Review – Dave
