I’m not sure what “It” is and how it is prevailing, but in the case of the debut record from this Portland melodic metalcore/hardcore act, “It” is a damn fine metalcore album for fans of Misery Signals, Means and Life in Your Way.

Soaring, shimmering, layered melodies injected with some burlier moments, arguably more burly than their obvious melodic peers, and gruff hardcore vocals make The Inspiration a dichotomy of beautiful melodies and tough guy delivery, or tough guy hardcore with feelings if you will.

The Misery Signals influence is the most obvious sound as emotional, cascading harmonies collide with inspirational lyrics and sumptuous guitar work. Of course there’s are moments of clean vocals and requisite acoustic segue (“To Fail”)-all par for the metalcore course, but rather than clichéd or forced, due to song overall strong writing, It Prevails come across as genuine and heartfelt with invigorating riffs and structures that put them above similarly influenced Means, and only a bit behind Misery Signals.

All ten tracks will please metalcore fans, but standouts “Thirst For a Better End” and stunning “The Anomaly” will demand multiple listens due to their heightened sense of passionate melodies and driving heft.

A definite pickup for the few metalcore fans still out there and should pass the time until the new Shai Hulud comes out next year.

[Visit the band's website]

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