Country: USA (Chicago)
Genre: Melodic Death Metal / Hardcore
Release: 2026
For fans of: Venom Prison, In Flames (old & new), Tombstoner
Review | Metal Territory
Vow appear out of nowhere with Death Will Be My Bridge and deliver one of the strongest debuts of the year. The EP opens with downtuned, bouncy riffs that stick immediately, chuggy palm‑muted hits and hammer‑on/pull‑off phrases that give it a melodic character. The harmonies are pentatonic, full of tension, until a breakdown with pinched harmonics erupts between the hits.
There are high‑pitched synths in the background, power chords that fill the space and breakdowns built with correct timing. Vow move into chaotic, thrashy riffs, then chuggy harmonies, and drop tremolo passages before slowing into doomy riffs that sound genuinely sorrowful. The tremolo harmonies tie in with the hardcore element and add depth.
The breakdowns are heavy, chuggy, with melodic touches or pinched harmonics. The interlude is clean guitar, a small breath before the EP takes an At The Gates turn: melodic, full riffs, tremolo isolation and thrashy bursts with blast beats. The solos are mid‑paced, with melody and small fast touches, while there are also moments of tapping.
“Still Breathing” is the strongest track on the EP: sorrowful harmonies, diminished passages, tremolos, blast beats and thrashy bursts. The solo is eerie and atmospheric, and the closing with mournful harmonies gives it character. On the title track “Death Will Be My Bridge” there’s a creepy soundbite that reinforces the atmosphere.
The vocals move between growls, high screams, spoken word and shouts, giving variety and intensity. The EP is full of energy, groove, melody and weight. For death/hardcore fans, it’s one of the strongest releases of the year.
Tracklist:
- Name Not the Fallen
- New Patterns in the Blood
- Interlude
- Bells Made from Bullets
- Still Breathing
- Death Will Be My Bridge
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