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Bournemouth-based band Saint (the) Sinner are gaining a reputation in the post-hardcore scene. Their combination of melodic riffs with theatrical strings has drawn comparisons with Bullet For My Valentine, Panic at the Disco, and Avenged Sevenfold. It is refreshing because it brings something different to a scene of similar-sounding bands. The band will release their new EP Masquerades in October. This follows on from previous EP The Curious Tales of Mistress Murder which showcased their potential, and it will be interesting to see how their sound has developed.
The EP opens with the recent single ‘Theatre of Broken Dreams’. It is a perfect demonstration of their massive sound. The strings and heavy guitars blend together nicely, while the chorus of “We will never forget who we are” is extremely infectious. Up next, ‘First Blood’ incorporates a fast intro reminiscent of Killswitch Engage, and a bouncy breakdown with some tasty guitar licks. However the key element of this track is the upbeat chorus; James Patrick’s clean vocals complimenting Luke Juan’s raspy screams.
‘Left for Dead’ is a highlight of the EP, in particular Patrick’s vocals being strongly reminiscent of Panic at the Disco’s Brendon Urie. The pace is frenetic, while the mix is clear and well balanced. This allows the instruments to be heard clearly, and showcases where this band’s sound is heading. The lyrics “Let’s start a war” going into the chorus will be a perfect fit for their live shows, leaving the listener feeling energised.
At the halfway point of the EP, it’s clear that the songwriting has matured, and the band is creating their own sound. A perfect example of this is on ‘She’s a Vampire’. A smooth transition from the previous track, it incorporates some mesmerising technical fretwork from guitarists Pash Stratton and Billy Muircroft. This keeps things fresh and interesting.
The final two tracks, ‘Set It Off’ and ‘Asylum’ have a slower groove-orientated feel. This demonstrates the diversity in their sound, the latter track featuring multiple focused breakdowns, rounding off a thrilling EP.
Masquerades is a strong EP from start to finish. It brings out Saint (the) Sinner’s theatrical take on post-hardcore, mixing it with poppy hooks that will help put them on the map and reach a wider audience.
Words by Ermis Madikopoulos