Photo by Chelsea Gryn
Based in Tampa, FL, Contention are crafting an absolutely pulverizing blend of hardcore. Today Contention announce their debut full-length, Artillery From Heaven, which the band have dubbed an “apocalyptic straight edge album.” Set for release May 3rd on DAZE, the ten tracks on the record are made for moshing, built with an abrasive delivery and metallic riffs. First single “In The Land Of Nod,” out now is a relentless two minutes with screamed vocals, riffs made for swinging, and a forceful breakdown. Lyrically, the track takes a more somber tone addressing loved ones battle with addiction.
Vocalist Cosmo expands: “This track is about watching friends and loved ones succumb to their addictions. If you’ve experienced this, you understand the feelings of betrayal and powerlessness I wrote about. Having my life turned upside down over and over by other people’s addictions has made me very wary of associating with addicts of any kind. If that sounds callous to you, then count yourself lucky you haven’t had the same experiences.”
You can listen to “In The Land Of Nod” HERE and preorder Artillery From Heaven through DAZE.
First formed in 2019, Contention released a three song promo that same year, and have gradually built their sound as a band ever since. 2021 saw the release of their first EP, Laying Waste to the Kingdom of Oblivion, followed by 2022’s Summer Offensive. As the band set out to create Artillery From Heaven, they headed in with a more focused and intense approach. Spending time over a span of months in the studio with John Howard at War House Studio (Casey Jones, Yashira) in Gainesville, FL, the various sessions led to a hard-hitting album built on survival. The band pulled influence from hardcore and death metal, citing bands like Foundation and Arkangel. Tracks like “Ousted From Eden” and “Lobotomite Bliss” instill absolute chaos, tying into the records themes of apocalyptic anxieties.
Contention has played shows across North America and Europe, including sharing the stage with acts like Magnitude, Inclination, and Mourning. The band has an east coast run set for early May surrounding the Ephyra showcase in Connecticut, full dates below.
Tour Dates:
Wednesday May 8 – Atlanta GA @ Ideal Sports Bar
Thursday May 9 – Roanoke VA @ Flying Panther Skate Shop
Friday May 10 – Philadelphia PA @ Lithuanian Club
Saturday May 11 – East Haven CT @ The Beeracks @ Ephyra Showcase
Sunday May 12 – Norfolk VA @ Chicho’s Backstage
Monday May 13 – Charlotte NC @ The Milestone Club
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