Review: Upon Stone Reinvent Modern Metalcore with Dead Mother Moon

Melodic death metal and metalcore have almost become dirty words in the world of metal subgenres because of the left turn that bands like In Flames and Dark Tranquility took late in the game. Then the early 2000s saw metalcore sweep the scene, containing a few gems and a lot of duds. So now, when a band seeks to bring back that sound, it can often be met with cringing and moaning. But Upon Stone might singlehandedly change all that with this album.

On Dead Mother Moon, out this Friday via Century Media, the band channel old In Flames, Dismember, and Dissection while also pulling in modern hardcore/metal crossover sensibilities. One thing you will not hear on this album is tired tropes. There’s no simple, major-chord riffing paired off with one-note chugging. Instead, there are melodic leads that carry the songs paired with well-written hardcore riffs.

You also won’t hear to-the-minute polish. Most metalcore records rely on triggered drums, and production that makes the guitar and bass parts sound almost mechanical. Instead, there is definitely some looseness, distortion, and even dirtiness on the recording of this record.

Clocking in quick at just over half an hour, every song on the record brings it. “My Destiny; A Weapon” is melodic, sad, and angry, taking us on a journey and really showcasing some of the hardest riffs in the game. “To See and Follow The Call Of Lions” is reminiscent of In Flames’ early work for sure, and also one of the most memorable songs on the record.

Probably my favorite, if I had to pick one, is “The Lantern” does a great job pulling in some folk and black metal influence that makes the record even more elevated in the metal cannon. The wildcard on the record is a heavy ass cover of “Dig Up Her Bones” by Misfits, which is also done incredibly well.

Certainly, some folks will find fault with this record. There are still going to be people who only want the heaviest, most ripping music with no melody. And I know there are some folks who actually dig the overly polished slightly predictable metalcore stylings (which are catchy, not gonna lie). But for those who love old school melodic death metal, this is definitely a must-listen.

Upon Stone’s Dead Mother Moon will be released this Friday, January 19 via Century Media Records. Pre-order the album here.