siLLy puPPy One of countless modern core bands out there these days, XVIA originates from San Angelo, Texas and has found a home for its self-titled debut release on the Chugcore International label. This short album of eight tracks that slightly runs over 28 minutes came out in 2017 with the lineup of Jake Madrid (vocals), Matt Radio (guitar), Dan Nguyen (guitar), Steven Sedeno (bass) and Tito Breedlove (drums.)

XVIA plays an aggressive style of deathcore but engages in slower tempos than the average deathcore band. While fast tempos do exist, they are reserved for contrast rather than an incessant bantering throughout the album’s run time. For the most part XVIA implements mid-tempo steadiness which almost sounds like a black metal album however Madrid’s vocal style is clearly in the world of the core genres.

This very well could be one of the mellowest deathcore albums i’ve ever heard. There are many softer parts with arpeggiated clean guitar chords and moments that sound more like a nu metal band than anything with “death” in it but when all is said and done, XVIA can dish out the deathcore goods when they really want to. There are even a few guitar solos but they are quite brief.

While XVIA adds a bit more emotive segments than the average deathcore band and performs the expected core duties admirably, something just seems missing here. Lack of commitment maybe? It seems like XVIA is going for more of an alternative metal album that happens to get all deathcory on us but the softer parts just linger on way to long and for the most part the album comes off as half-assed.

In the end i’m underwhelmed by this release but possibly due to expectations of a more rampaging sound given that the band’s admitted genre of choice is deathcore. “Ataractic” for example sounds more like a post-rock track than anything metal. Nothing wrong with some variety in metal releases but this doesn’t quite scratch that itch. Decent and listenable for sure with many excellent moments but overall doesn’t quite go where i want it to.