Simon Says Die - Melodic Metalcore - Vancouver, WA
Simon Says Die is a band that that wants to break free of the stagnancy that exists in Modern Metal, while still keeping true to their roots. I checked out the two tracks posted on their Bandcamp website, “White Noise” and “Denial,” both released in October 2012, and I heard a ton of innovation in their songs, but nothing that would alienate any fans of the genre.
This band excels beyond belief in their songwriting. The intensity in “White Noise” does not drop for one second, even though the song is almost four minutes long. While the drummer kills it on the double bass all throughout the track, the band moves perfectly back and forth between their heavy verses and melodic chorus. Somehow, the speed never lets up, and even the catchiest melodies are still sung with fast, tight drumming blasting underneath them.
One of the best things about Simon Says Die is their vocals, and this is especially apparent in “White Noise.” So many modern metal bands have a fantastic screamer, but also extremely subpar clean vocals, and impressively, Simon Says Die does not sink to this at all. The heavy vocalist has one of the best, most intense yells that I’ve ever heard coming from a local band, and the harmonies that the clean vocalist pulls off in the chorus really elevate “White Noise” to a top tier modern metal song. The lyrics are extremely engaging, too. I can easily imagine tons of kids piling on top of each other at a show, screaming “I don’t need anyone!” right back in the heavy vocalist’s face.
“Denial” is another great track by the band that perfectly showcases a guest vocalist from We Rise the Tides. All too often, a song with a featured artist will just have one or two lines sung by the guest, but “Denial” really stands apart from this by utilizing the guest’s talent all throughout the song. The track wouldn’t be anywhere near as great as it is without the featured vocalist. The concluding instrumental section also showcases some of the most impressive melodic musicianship Simon Says Die has to offer. The guitars sound is reminiscent of violins, as they sweep the song away when it reaches its final notes.
I was very impressed by Simon Says Die, and I’m sure that any fan of modern metal will also find something they love about this band. There is a talent here that most lesser-known bands lack, and with enough hard work, I really think these guys could make a mark on the industry. Let’s hope that they can keep making the music they love.
Check out “White Noise” and “Denial” on Bandcamp:
http://simonsaysdieband.bandcamp.com/
Like/support the band on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/SimonSaysDie
By: Max Puhala
This band excels beyond belief in their songwriting. The intensity in “White Noise” does not drop for one second, even though the song is almost four minutes long. While the drummer kills it on the double bass all throughout the track, the band moves perfectly back and forth between their heavy verses and melodic chorus. Somehow, the speed never lets up, and even the catchiest melodies are still sung with fast, tight drumming blasting underneath them.
One of the best things about Simon Says Die is their vocals, and this is especially apparent in “White Noise.” So many modern metal bands have a fantastic screamer, but also extremely subpar clean vocals, and impressively, Simon Says Die does not sink to this at all. The heavy vocalist has one of the best, most intense yells that I’ve ever heard coming from a local band, and the harmonies that the clean vocalist pulls off in the chorus really elevate “White Noise” to a top tier modern metal song. The lyrics are extremely engaging, too. I can easily imagine tons of kids piling on top of each other at a show, screaming “I don’t need anyone!” right back in the heavy vocalist’s face.
“Denial” is another great track by the band that perfectly showcases a guest vocalist from We Rise the Tides. All too often, a song with a featured artist will just have one or two lines sung by the guest, but “Denial” really stands apart from this by utilizing the guest’s talent all throughout the song. The track wouldn’t be anywhere near as great as it is without the featured vocalist. The concluding instrumental section also showcases some of the most impressive melodic musicianship Simon Says Die has to offer. The guitars sound is reminiscent of violins, as they sweep the song away when it reaches its final notes.
I was very impressed by Simon Says Die, and I’m sure that any fan of modern metal will also find something they love about this band. There is a talent here that most lesser-known bands lack, and with enough hard work, I really think these guys could make a mark on the industry. Let’s hope that they can keep making the music they love.
Check out “White Noise” and “Denial” on Bandcamp:
http://simonsaysdieband.bandcamp.com/
Like/support the band on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/SimonSaysDie
By: Max Puhala