Album Review: The Departed - Remnants

As hostile as their silver screen namesake, The Departed are all about fast melodic hardcore. After being recently signed to UK independent label Lockjaw Records, their latest release ‘Remnants’ is an eruption of energy, aggression, and heavy, heavy noise.

On paper, ‘Remnants’ ticks all the boxes, unfortunately, when you actually sit down and listen to it, it does little more than that. The Departed are clearly influenced by the likes of Comeback Kid, Bane etc, but rather than using them as inspiration, it seems like they have settled contentedly upon being an average imitation. The first three tracks are lifted straight off a This Is Hell record, and do nothing other than what you have learned to expect from a hardcore record. ‘Broactive’ in particular, complete with group chants of “Stay true, stay proud”, accurately placed breakdowns, and a love affair with the double bass pedal, gives little room or evidence of originality.