We’re back with a brand new episode of Short But Sweet, Polite And Respectful. Besides the blistering, self-titled debut of Austin’s Portrayal of Guilt we also discuss the fabulous split between 5000 and cape light - probably two of the most underrated screamo bands out there - and In Memory, the very first release of Richmond-based Majorel. SBS #45 also includes Juliane’s double review for Massa Nera. As always, each of the releases is worth listening to.

With Miss The Stars Records and Contrition Recordings being the conductors of the hype-train, which currently rolls across the screamo landscape, it’s time for you to get your tickets. Austin-based emoviolence blast, portrayal of guilt, just released their debut EP on both DIY labels and it couldn't be a better departure for the rising newcomers from Texas. The self-titled EP features three vicious songs, combining screamo with nightmarish black-metal influences, where diabolic screams are hunted by the blastbeating drums. If you’re into blackened screamo or bands like Majority Rule and pg.99 you should not hesitate to head over to the group’s bandcamp and stream those three tracks, while clenching your hands like claws, raising them towards the dull sky.

Classical screamo is alive and breathing. 5000 and cape light, both hailing from Tokyo, combined their forces to burn down a chaotic firework of tumultuous guitar work and raging vocals. The top-notch split record feels like a throwback to the golden era of the genre during the late 1990s, helping the Japanese duo to finally advance into the dimension of groups like Lord Snow, Cassus or Piri Reis. Despite their great ability to write songs on top-level, 5000 and cape light unfortunately still fly way below the radar of international screamo enthusiasts. From HELPLESS to mukishitsu, each of the six tracks is reason enough to make this change and to fall in love with the tremendous sound of the bands.

"思うのやめた 君のことを 考えることもなかったけれど"

The five piece from Linden, New Jersey, released their first two EPs over the course of last year. Massa Nera plays atmospheric post-hardcore influenced screamo. This band knows how to build up powerful songs with delicate melodies. Their first EP "will it be enough..." is composed with mostly English vocals. But on both tracks Hatsukoi and Hatsuyuki the band puts some Spanish lyrics into the mix as well. They keep up the good work on their second release ”no estamos separados”. Playing with quieter and more intense parts, Massa Nera puts together another three songs. On the second track "Surely, we'll see each other soon" Dean Scordilis of Our Wits That Make Us Men joins in with spoken word vocals. Besides digital download, both releases are available as cassettes at Adorno Records, UK. Massa Nera also recently recorded a full length, so keep an eye on this band.

"You live with vague ideas concerning limitless potential, ‘til you’re blindsided by the passing of time and realize you’ve run out of options." [I'll be the next to go]

Sass bands like SeeYouSpaceCowboy and gif. from god have found a formula to extract the best elements of metalcore and combine them with the iconic sound of late 90s screamo bands such as Jeromes Dream or Neil Perry. An interesting way of proceeding, also applied within the sound of Majorel. Haling from Richmond, VA, the quartet has released their debut In Memory on Canada’s Zegema Beach Records. The five songs on the Extended Play appear to be one mighty ebullition full of shrieking vocals and heavy guitar chords. Placed right in the middle of the EP “Attempting Coherence in Form and Intent“ is revealing the full potential of Majorel, marking the highlight track of In Memory.

What a fabulous lineup on this collaborative release. Tokyo’s ilill and 5000 team up with rûth and istilah from Singapore. Since it’s impossible to dwell on every single track on the split, I’m going to keep things short. Asian screamo rules the game with its fresh and exciting bands. All those amazing projects, which are featured on the split CD were formed quite recently and cover the whole sound palette from violent and chaotic to melodic and groovy - what could your emo heart desire more? The liaison between those four bands is home of nine incredible songs, each and everyone of them is fun listening to, sending you to a state of joy and ecstasy.

Thanks to Miss the Stars I discovered this premium post-hardcore inspired, emo / screamo band from Sweden. I was totally blown away after I had checked their song, the prince, which was streamed on Alex’ blog. The sound of the song is super melodic and features some really great background vocals, which are perfectly combined with the screamed ones. The EP contains just one further track, which sucks a lot because both songs leave you wanting for more. As the band just returned back home from their tour through Poland, we absolutely recommend you to give them a listen. You won’t regret it.

„Blood ties, ties our floods together. But I am, alone out at sea Abandoned by my shattered family. Crashing like waves, all over me.“

There’s a new wave of amazing emoviolence bands from the UK coming in. Cady is one of those. Their latest musical output is called ‚Isle Of Flowers‘ and contains four heavy tracks, full of darkness and dense atmosphere. Every single note seems to sound just right, as those soundscapes excels thanks to its furious vocals and wild blast beating drums. The Extended Play, which is strongly recommendable for fans of Cassus, Scared of Everything and Dawn Ray’d, is co-released by Boslevan Records, Cave Of Roses and Wolf Town DIY. It’s screamo as good as it gets combined with a slight hint of metal.

„Throat so lacerated, this damn chest croaks. Heaving patterns like lungs are bleached soaked. Move into the endless, simmering light. ‚I'm never coming back’ - ‚I am Dock Ellis. And I will miss you’."

Solanas are from the UK and were founded back in 2013. The screamo collective from Newcastle consists of Ollie, Eliott and Stef who also is part of Scared Of Everything and replaced the band’s original bassist, Tim, in 2014. Already released in late April, What’s Left To Leave Behind is already their sixths release and features five tracks in total. The music on it can be described as a sweet blend of emo, screamo and post-hardcore, which is wrapped in a sonic garb full of dreamy guitar riffs. Solans definitely set themselves off from the common screamo sound, which is not the worst thing you can say about a band. Thumbs up! Also check out the band’s LP, 'The Distance Within Our Bodies', which was released on vinyl recently.

„I’ll keep my tired eyes closed and hope to dream of love but I’m sleeping less each night and my heart can barely beat, my words have failed, my tongue and my hands have failed my nerves…"