Regrowth – Lungs CD (Various Labels)

Lungs is a debut full-length recording by an astounding Sardinian melodic hardcore group Regrowth that popped out in my mailbox today. Judging by the visual aesthetics and album title, I can only assume that the group is embracing current anxieties caused by the pandemic, which rapidly struck upon the entire Apennine peninsula. The visual identity includes a detailed hand-drawn illustration of the lungs, positioned as a centerpiece of the front cover artwork. However, the remaining portion of the booklet reveals the meaningful minimalistic approach showcased by a blackened background and perfectly designed lyric sheet. Regrowth solely focuses on the primary thematics that are also pervading brilliant musicianship throughout the entire recording.

Right with the initial beats of this recording, Regrowth hits directly between the eyes with marvelous orchestrations, which are including not only melodic hardcore but also articulations characteristic for genres such as metalcore, post-hardcore, neo-crust, and screamo. Regrowth embraces various musical aesthetics throughout the entire material by thoroughly examining crucial elements of the beforementioned genres. Still, all these elements are suddenly becoming even more darkened, blackened, shrouded in pleasant obscurity that vividly depicts the primary theme of the album. Perhaps Regrowth solely relies upon harmonic brilliance completely stacked with engaging melodies, but the group also involves loads of much more aggressive moments in their sonic articulations.

Regrowth also stacks loads of nearly mathcore progressions through dueling guitar segments that are hiding even more delightfulness as the compositions are passing. The harmonizations, arpeggiated chord progressions, echoic thematics, guitar scales, and other technicalities are liberating an adequate atmosphere for a ferocious rhythm section. Both semi-distorted basslines and maniacal drumming performance are serving as stalwart foundations for the abovementioned melodic structures. Regrowth levitates between ultrafast tempos and colossal beatdowns that are giving even more massiveness to the entire material. Lead vocals are offering another layer of aggression through perfectly executed screams, shouts, and growls, but the group also includes some melodic chants and singalongs along the way.

Lungs is a marvelously performed material fully stacked with impressive writing, composing, and adequate arrangements that are properly illustrating the disadvantages of modern times. Regrowth filled this album with meaningful messages, emotions, blood, sweat, and tears, so I am more than positively sure you’ll instantly fall in love with these compositions. Lungs are coming on a compact disc released in collaboration between Home Mort, Fresh Outbreak Record, Nothing Left Records, and Goldmine Records. Pick up your favorite record label and purchase this melodic hardcore gem.