FINAL GASP – New Day Symptoms

vote
6.5

• Bands:
  FINAL GASP
• Duration: 00:33:00
• Available from: 02/27/2026
• Label:

• Relapse Records

Streaming not yet available

“New Day Symptoms” marks the return of Final Gasp for Relapse Records and tells of a band engaged in stylistic research rather than in the full definition of a complete sound. Some members of this young band originally from Boston come from hardcore and thrash backgrounds, but the album, once again, distances itself from these expectations, moving between classic metal with dark tones, hard/death rock and some vague post-punk suggestions, with an overall curious, if often irregular, result.

The album oscillates between moments of intense tension and more reflective pauses in a dark style, building an atmosphere that alternates restlessness and introspection. The vocal lines, at times aggressive and in other circumstances more rounded and evocative, seem to want to chase the dark charisma of Danzig, while certain melodic punctuations restore the urban pressure of Killing Joke, even if set in a more robust context. Finally, there is no shortage of short openings that touch on the lyricism of the most recent Tribulation, offering breath and depth: a contrast between density and lightness that inspires curiosity, but which sometimes makes listening difficult. The songs, short and concentrated, tend to condense many ideas: melancholic arpeggios intertwine with square riffs, martial rhythms alternate with suspended moments, creating a rather stratified picture. However, this wealth of ideas does not always translate into cohesion: some pieces appear effective and direct, others seem fragmentary, leaving one wondering whether the band is looking for a more defined structure or simply experimenting without yet fully mastering their material, so as not to be able to create so-called hits.

On an imaginary level, the comparison with contemporary realities such as compatriots Unto Others sometimes seems natural, but Final Gasp stand out for a more abrupt, less theatrical and winking approach. In fact, the album favors tension and emotional density over melodic immediacy, making listening all in all stimulating but sometimes distant from the direct impact one might expect. It is a choice which, although coherent, highlights the nature of a work that is still a little immature, poised between classic metal and hard rock verve and the construction of a personal signature. Among the strengths, the dynamic variety emerges, while among the limitations, the difficulty in creating truly memorable songs, so-called singles, and the feeling of a still uncertain direction.

In summary, “New Day Symptoms” is a work that is in some ways stimulating, but overall lukewarm, which tries to solicit attention and curiosity for some stylistic choices, but which does not always appear very inspired and incisive. Final Gasp show potential and an identity under construction, leaving the way open for safer future developments and the possible emergence of a more defined and recognizable figure.