Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review


The Undertaking!, 'Superstitions - EP'
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

The Undertaking!
Superstitions - EP



Artist Info: Discography
Genre(s): Hardcore / Metal / Punk
Album length: 4 tracks: 12 minutes, 31 seconds
Street Date: March 23, 2023


READER RATING:   


"Burn it to the ground/fuming lies again/poison from my mouth. All that I've destroyed/laying at my feet/smoke fills up my lungs." This figurative account of an individual's depravity begins Superstitions, the frantic 4-song EP from former-Solid-State-Records band The Undertaking! This punk/metal outfit's sophomore offering follows 2021's head-turning debut Funeral Psalms, and dives even deeper into self-loathing; though not for its own sake, but with a need for immediate change. To analogize what we have here, think of a ragtag group of skateboarders out for blood at night, in a spiritual thriller. Visceral, imminent lyrics are joined to dissonant power-chords and abrupt rhythms. The band seeks revenge, though its object lies squarely on their own shoulders in the form of sin and bad choices. It doesn't get any more on-the-nose than "I am the worst/I am the curse" from opener "Black Cats."

Austin Visser's high-pitched shrieks are absolutely chilling, though they can get a bit overbearing. As such, I find this bite-sized version much more palatable than their previous full-length. The highlight of the EP is the third track, titled "Death Acquires a Different Meaning," both because it's the most catchy of the bunch (especially the "I don't want it/I don't need it" section), and that it's the only track to feature clean vocals. The unpolished, yet clean delivery still portrays ferocity but gives much needed dynamic variance to the otherwise monotone piercings. This variance goes a long way towards rounding out the sound, and I hope it becomes a mainstay in future installments.

One word that would sum up Superstitions would be "urgent." Their life depends on every word. From the graphic imagery of self-flagellation ("Death Acquires a Different Meaning"), to witches and ghosts as a metaphor for demonic activity ("A Witch's Deathbed Confession"), heck, even the concept of free will takes on a crucial role ("Yes," which also includes a use of "free will be d*mned"). There is a certain movie-like quality to the EP, in that it paints its own world, albeit an unpleasant one, but one that portrays sin for what it is, and is awakened to spiritual realities. It won't be for everyone, but Superstitions certainly deserves a listen, if you can stomach it.

- Review date: 4/16/23, written by Joel Zaloum of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

 

. Record Label: Futurelore Records
. Album length: 4 tracks: 12 minutes, 31 seconds
. Street Date: March 23, 2023
. Buy It: Apple Music
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

  1. Black Cats (3:44)
  2. Yes (2:32)
  3. Death Acquires a Different Meaning (3:24)
  4. A Witch's Deathbed Confession (2:47)

 

 



Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, November 19, 2024
SINGLES
Mat Kearney Certainty - Single (independent)

This Wednesday, November 20, 2024
ALBUMS
1K Phew Let Go Let God: The EP [Reach]

SINGLES
Drew & Ellie Holcomb High Seas - Single [Magnolia]
Sleeping At Last Let It Snow - Single (independent)

This Thursday, November 21, 2024
ALBUMS
The Choir Translucent (independent)

SINGLES
Wilder Woods Curioso [Dualtone]

This Friday, November 22, 2024
ALBUMS
Coqui I'll Still Have Christmas Day - EP [DREAM]
for KING & COUNTRY A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE) [Curb]
The Kingsmen Decades: Vol. 3 & 4 [Horizon]
Jonathan McReynolds Red & Green - EP [Capitol CMG/Motown]
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
R.kitect Vicious Circles - EP (independent)
Run51 Let's Celebrate - EP [DREAM]
Van Zant Always Look Up [Frontiers Music]

SINGLES
7eventh Time Down I Speak Jesus - Single [BEC]
99 APEX Find A Way Freestyle - Single [Syntax]
Cory Asbury You're Still The One - Single [BEC]
Ashes Remain Lost Light - Single [BEC]
Paul Baloche Angels We Have Heard On High/Glorious (feat. Sarah Kroger) - Single [Integrity]
Elan Brio Sun Rays - Single (independent)
Amy Jay And So It Goes - Single (independent)
Jericko Holy Ground - Single [Syntax]
Reece Lache' Energy - Single (independent)
Vic Lucas Presha - Single [Syntax]
Cliff & Antoinette Murray O Emanuel - Single [DREAM]
Procyse, Dave A. You’re Not Free - Single [Polished Arrow]
River Valley Worship This is Our Jesus (feat. Moriah Christian) - Single [BEC]
Vineyard Worship Royal Son - Single [Integrity]

VINYL
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]

Next Thursday, November 28, 2024
VINYL
Van Zant Always Look Up Vinyl [Girder]

Next Friday, November 29, 2024
ALBUMS
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) [Flatiron]
Thrive Worship Christmas, Vol. 2 - EP [Integrity]

SINGLES
ICF Worship Light of the World - Single [Integrity]
Selah Glory Hallelujah (feat. Mike Weaver) - Single [Integrity]
Slow Salvation The Ghost of Christmas Past - Single [Velvet Blue]
Uche Agu, Revival Today Worship Medley of Hymns - Single [DREAM]

VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) Vinyl (Record Store Day Exclusive!) [Flatiron]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images