“Surefire Ends an Era with ‘Backstab’: An Explosive Dive into Nu-Core”

Artist:

Surefire of Milwaukee, Wisconsin

(feat Dillon Hare of Dead Awake)

Genre:

Metalcore with heavy elements

Song Title: 

Backstab

Release Date: 10/25/2024

Band Members

Joseph Coleman, Vocals

Jake Heckel, Guitar

Cameron Padget, Guitar

Ian Trigg, Bass

Devin Taylor, Drums

Label: 

We Are Triumphant

Notable Achievements: 

Opened for Enterprise Earth 10/2024

Influences:

Vctms, Boundaries

Word from the Band:

Following up behind the single “Salt The Wound,” Surefire released “Backstab” this morning on all major streaming platforms. Vocalist, Joseph Coleman, explains there was no specific process to writing the single.

“The lyrics are pretty self-explanatory,” he says about the latest track. In further detail, Coleman elaborates that “Backstab” is the account of “trusting someone [within the music industry], supporting their work, and later discovering the individual was shit-talking me behind my back.”

“It was disheartening,” Coleman continues, “And this song is why I don’t talk to people much anymore.”

Cameron Padget adds, “This next release wraps up our “HOLEHEARTED” era of songs, and it’s bittersweet. I remember writing this song like it was yesterday. I was setting up Jake’s guitar and ended up riffing around on it, and this whole song came from that in a day or two. I’m pretty stoked to finally release this song since it’s been in the bank for almost two years. This one tests the boundaries of rap, nu-metal, and hardcore. “I’d like to coin the term ‘nu-core.‘ as our sound evolves. I think nu-core is a good way to capture our sound. You get your nu-metal and then all your sub-sections of the core. I hope the fans like it, and I look forward to getting more Surefire put out there soon!”

Analysis:

The most effective principles utilized within “Backstab” include:

1. Proportion of Intense Vocal Distortion: The vocals often feature a rich, controlled distortion that produces a raw and gritty sound, adding aggression and intensity to the delivery. This distortion, usually in screams, growls, or yells, is powerful yet precise, demonstrating vocal control and technical skill.
2. Contrast within Dynamic Range: A hallmark of metalcore is the contiguity of harsh, screamed vocals with melodic, clean singing. “Backstab” moves seamlessly between brutal screams and heavy yet melodic instrumental tones, creating a captivating push-and-pull dynamic. This contrast creates emotional peaks that grip the listener, as the softer sections feel like a reprieve before waves of intensity return. 
3. Balance of Powerful Breath Support and Projection: The vocals project with immense power, often cutting through dense instrumental layers. Breath control allows Coleman to sustain high intensity screams and notes without losing energy, which portrays a relentless, captivating edge.
4. Emphasis Through Expressive Emotional Delivery: Surefire pours authentic emotion into their vocals and instrumentals, making each layer feel necessary and meaningful. Whether expressing anger, desperation, or vulnerability, they evoke a genuine emotional response in the listener, keeping them enthralled.
5. Use of Pattern with Rhythmic Precision and Phrasing: The timing and phrasing of the vocals meticulously sync with the fast, aggressive rhythms of the instrumentals. Use varied pacing and rapid-fire bursts gives a percussive quality that drives the energy and pulls listeners further into the groove.
6. Movement in Memorable Melodic Hooks: In clean sections, the vocals introduce catchy, memorable melodies that balance out the intensity of the screams. These melodies are often simple yet effective, embedding themselves in the listener’s memory. The heavy riffs and eruptive beats provide the foundation of “Backstab” with dynamic transitions and surprising twists. Something more to note about the band is their camaraderie and ability to work conscientiously during live jamming sessions to tailor their sound. Together, the result is heavy, aggressive, and habit-forming.

Since Total Deathcore last spoke with the band, some pivotal events have propelled them further into prominence. Surefire recently announced signing to We Are Triumphant, has opened for Enterprise Earth, and is working toward the release of their next EP. Follow their ascent within metalcore and be sure to listen to their discography in entirety as it does not disappoint.