Collective Insanity – Hidden Agony EP Review

I’ve gotta say I’m quite impressed with Collective Insanity’s debut EP Hidden Agony. Right now, it is only available on streaming services, but at some point, it will be available...

Streaming Only (Now)

Out Now

 

Line Up:

Braiden Hannibal: vocals

Jack Coleman: Drums

Dylan Faults: Samples

Richard Starnes: Guitars

Quinn Reilly: Bass

Mikey Black: Guitar

 

Tracklist:

1. Mollywap

2. M.F.U.

3. Ammunation

4. Biyamba

 

I’ve said many times over the years, North Carolina has been a tremendous breeding ground for some incredibly talented musicians. From the obscure to the world-renowned, North Carolina has offered up some legendary bands of varying styles and levels of success, and I have made it my agenda to highlight as many of them as I come across in my travels and time spent in this state. As someone that has spent a good portion of time attending live shows in North Carolina (mostly in the Charlotte area, but I’ve been known to venture out to other areas from time to time) I have made many friends and acquaintances over the years in the scene and tend to be sought out for my opinion on their music. And if I feel strongly about what they’re offering I’ll sling out some words to show my support for them and get the word out about them.

If a band has even a faint stench of Nu Metal upon them, I’m immediately prejudiced against them. Out of the numerous genres and subgenres going, that is one close to the top that I despise. So, when Jack Coleman, drummer for Collective Insanity approached me with reviewing their EP Hidden Agony and used the term “Nu Metal” as a descriptor I cringed a little, but out of respect for his father and my knowledge of the talent of this young man I said sure I’ll check it out. Coleman does a great disservice by labeling his band under that subgenre. Are there elements of Nu Metal? Sure, there are several moments of rap metal on the four-song EP, but those moments are couched in music that stylistically lies more within a thrashier, almost death metal groove sound than a true Nu Metal style. Trust me, if they were straight up Nu Metal, I wouldn’t be typing this right now, respect or no. There are some powerful guitar riffs supplied deftly by Mikey Black and Richard Starnes. I’ll freely admit that I have watched Jack play drums since he was young, and even then, the kid was a beast on the set, so there was no question about his skill level, and he’s locked in tight with bassist Quin Reilly. Dylan Faults provides samples for the band, and laying down vocals and raps is Braiden Hannibal, whose voice can shift from a deep growl to a melodic style and lays down some great rap skills all at once.

I’ve gotta say I’m quite impressed with Collective Insanity’s debut EP Hidden Agony. Right now, it is only available on streaming services, but at some point, it will be available to purchase physical copies. I’ve not had the chance to catch them live, but my understanding is they put on a helluva show. This band has a lot of potential for the future so be on the watch for them. They’re young, hungry, and super talented. With these first four songs already as awesome as this, they’re gonna be contenders.

 

Written by: Chris Martin

Ratings: 9/10

 

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Collective Insanity - Hidden Agony EP
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Collective Insanity - Hidden Agony EP
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