A new storm is brewing at Sable Hills.
Since its creation in Japan, the band has gradually made a name for itself on the metalcore scene. In 2024, Takuya Mishima (vocals), Wataru Yuasa (guitar/vocals), Rict Mishima (guitar), Takuya Ueda (bass) and Keita Kondo (drums) announce the release of their third album Odyssey via Arising Empire.
With the epic melody of The Eve, the musicians prepare us for the eponymous surge of overpowering drums and slashing rhythms, on which furious vocal parts come to life alongside a few softer leads. Clean vocals also appear on the chorus, creating a catchy duet before the final moshpart that leads us into Misfortune, a rather short but lively and effective composition that will undoubtedly be the point of origin of total chaos in the pit. The motivating blast and jerky riffs offer Old School tones before welcoming Kenta Koie (Crossfaith) to give the martial Battle Cry a stirring and sometimes even rather dissonant but always devastating touch. We have a quite heavy bass sound in the ambient aggression, particularly on the final with their guest, then the band speed off again on A New Chapter, which maintains this furious approach, occasionally giving way to groovy breaks. The heady melodies resurface on the aptly named Anthem, which is sure to unite the assembly thanks to its catchy vocal alternation. Keys of complexity emerge on Carry the Torch, where the explosive rhythmic base helps create an energetic atmosphere where you can see yourself jumping in rhythm with the guitars, then it’s in the company of Trevor Phipps (Unearth) that the band strikes on No Turning Back, a track where their guest leads the final assault on the vindictive break. We’re back in rage with Bad King and its explosive transitions, which will easily win over even the most headbanging-averse, before the musicians offer us a gentle break called Forever. The album’s final track, Tokyo, marks the return of alternation between thick riffs and catchy choruses, but also a brief moment of floating to support the resumption of violence.
The Sable Hills name is beginning to spread outside their native Japan, and it’s a phenomenon that’s richly deserved! Following in the footsteps of their elders, Odyssey is a solid, motivating album which, though a little short, will undoubtedly prove its worth live!
90/100
