Six songs ranging from metalcore to slower-toned rock

In 2019, the music industry saw many songs released from a wide range of genres. Metal did not lack big-name releases in 2019, with several popular artists such as Dream Theater, Darkthrone, Tool and Korn all releasing albums. One group formed during this year, with the goal of making their own form of metalcore music. Five people—lead singer Rick Pepa, guitarists Russ Savarese and Brian Sullivan, bassist Cody Hosza and former Dillinger Escape Plan drummer Billy Rymer—came together in 2019 to form Thoughtcrimes, a band set on making great metal music. That same year, the group released their first EP, Tap Night, before reissuing the record with additional songs in 2021.

Tap Night (Deluxe) is a collection of six songs, each with its own distinct style. Some songs consist of metalcore instrumentals, while others focus on slowed-down rock.

“Artificer” kicks the album off with a fast-paced and strong hardcore attitude before shifting to something slower and more vocal-focused. This may be the best song on this album, showcasing the band’s ability to change dynamics seamlessly.

“Misery’s a Muse” reflects the miseries of life through more energy and fast pacing. It might not be the most joyful theme, but it effectively tells a story about dealing with the various forms of suffering and torment people are faced with day-to-day.

“Soapbox Sermon” is another fantastic song on the album which appears to tell a story about crime and survival. Although the instrumentals are superb on every track, this is perhaps the best one. “Soapbox Sermon” is a prime example of a song that can totally submerge people with its excellent instrumental.

“Punk Rock Guilt” is another track that manages to combine hardcore and metal influences with more rock-focused vocals that sound clearer than what is heard on many metalcore songs. Savarese and Sullivan showcase their talents throughout their album, but on this song especially, they steal the show.

One potential downside is that it’s occasionally difficult to hear the vocals, which may turn off newer metal fans. The lyrics are certainly difficult to understand on many tracks but to be fair, that’s part of why metal is such a distinct genre. Longtime metal fans, on the other hand, will appreciate the brutal instrumentals and edgy vocals, especially on tracks like”Artificer” and “Wedlock Waltz,” where the band’s technical abilities are flexed perfectly.

Altogether, Tap Night (Deluxe) marks an excellent debut for Thoughtcrimes, and the newly added tracks keep the momentum going, ensuring that it still sounds fresh for listeners. Independent music continues to worm its way into the mainstream with many major labels opting to go in other directions for musical taste; this has allowed Thoughtcrimes to show off its collective talent to the world and help keep the genre going in a way that’s sure to please metalheads everywhere.