On March 15th, self-proclaimed “hyperpop-metal” band Windwaker released their new EP Enter The Wall. The collection of four songs connect classic metalcore with refreshing electronic elements and pop melodies, showing off the band’s range of musical skill. Additionally, Windwaker’s promotion on social media suggests the start of a new era, and this EP is most definitely a great start.
Enter The Wall starts with ‘The Wall’, their heaviest single so far, as the band said themselves. The track combines heavy guitar riffs and electronic sounds; it is exactly what you would expect when hearing the term “hyperpop-metal”. The vocals go from rapping to screaming, once more showing how Windwaker will not limit themselves to just one genre. Lyrically, the song deals with personal struggles and aggression.
The second track, ‘Villain’, is a heavy mood switch. The song starts off a lot more melodic, and it has been previously promoted as their “most emotional song to date”. The song discusses the topic of letting go of a loved person. While the riffs and vocals get heavier throughout the song, it still is an amazing contrast to the opening track.
Track three, ‘Fractured State Of Mind’, once more shifts the mood, starting off with a hyperpop melody, jumping to a heavy verse and a melodic, almost pop-like chorus. The amount of genre shifts may sound chaotic, but Windwaker knows how to make it work. The song combines all these genres and moods incredibly well.
Lastly, we have ‘SIRENS’, which had been released as a single prior to the release of the EP and is their most streamed song to date. It comes as no surprise that this is their most popular song; while the verses consist of screaming vocals, the chorus is incredibly melodic and definitely one to be remembered. It is a well chosen closing track, as it is the most memorable song and will definitely make listeners return.
All in all, it is safe to say that Windwaker did what they do best. They took their listeners on a journey through a wide range of emotions and genres, but at their core, always stuck to metalcore with hyperpop elements. The genre shifts do not seem forced or too much: instead, they naturally happen. This EP is a must listen for those that love metal but enjoy a ride through other genres every once in a while.
Written by: Janine Vivien Stein
Edited by: Nèri Cliteur