Reviewed by Rob Birtley

Based out of Sacramento, California, the Seeking are a melodic hardcore band who blend heavy breakdowns with upbeat choruses to create a sound that feels both visceral and earnest. Though The Seeking were formed in 2010 by drummer Ben Wood and guitarist Dylan Housewright, it was over a year before they started playing shows, with Wood and Housewright using their time in the garage to carefully refine their sound while also recruiting guitarist Grayson Smith, singer Taylor Green and bassist Shane Tiller to form the current line-up. The band was picked up by Artery Foundation before signing on with Razor & Tie for the release of its debut full-length, 'Yours Forever'. Their sound is something of an amalgam of Switchfoot and Demon Hunter which deftly conveys both light and shade. 'Yours Forever' examines losing sight of what's important but receiving encouragement to get back on the right track - a metal soundtrack to redemption, while the opener "Only A Moment" in total hardcore with Taylor's screamed vocal against thudding blocked guitar before a counterpointing chorus exhorts us not to "live for yourself" and ends in a heartfelt plea of "just save me now." "Restless" is the first single from the album. To quote the singer, "We're breathless and restless/But we find comfort through belief in a higher power and the existence of a larger purpose." The album climaxes with the poetic and poignant "Alone" toning down the Metal and basking in a lush arrangement. We all know the times when we call out we don't want to be alone and acknowledge a greater power means everything to us and this is what the song is all about. The playing throughout is first rate and the mix of screamed and melodic vocals skilfully executed. All in all, a fresh blast of powerful metal.

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