Let’s Talk About Knocked Loose

Knocked Loose have all the kids a-moshin’ lately, so it’s high time I gave them a serious listen. That begins now with their new single “Trapped in the Grasp of a Memory.”

And woof, we’re not off to a good start with these vocals, which are firmly in the Jacob Bannon hardcore yelp category. I’m well aware that it’s somewhat ridiculous to draw a line in the sand when death metal grunts and gutturals are just as ridiculous in the abstract sense (a non-metalhead certainly wouldn’t differentiate!), but I just. can. not. with this style of metal vocals. Instant turnoff.

Onto the music. Cave In revolutionized heavy music with this style of hardcore-meets-Slayer on Until Your Heart Stops so that’s hardly new, and The Acacia Strain brought it into the death metal realm with their band’s entire punishing existence. Knocked Loose borrow heavily from both. I’m not sure why we need this right now.

So, sorry to say, I ain’t feelin’ this. But more power to you if you do, I suppose (in which case I’m guessing you’re under the age of 25, which is fine, I’m not hating on people younger than me, it just means you weren’t around for the aforementioned bands’ heydays and therefore don’t know any better so you have a good excuse).

On the other hand, Knocked Loose are friggin’ great at brawling, having challenged Taylor Swift to a feud this spring. That was dope. Still awaiting the results of that.

End old man rant. Have a listen below, see what you think, and feel free to tell me I’m an idiot.