It has been almost twelve months since the release of "Hollywood's Bleeding," where the band In Shallows, interpreters of this adaptation of the original song composed by Post Malone, left everyone astonished, demonstrating that their talent is undeniable and transcends beyond musical genres.
In Shallows, a band originally from Keene, New Hampshire, began their musical career with the release of their debut single titled "Phantom Grace" in 2021. This single revived the flame in all metalcore and post-hardcore music fans, evoking feelings of nostalgia and reminding us once again that the heavy music scene is more alive than ever.
When analyzing In Shallows' musical style throughout their trajectory, it is undeniable to mention that they are perceived as a band with an aggressive sound overall, while always incorporating melodic elements into their compositions. However, with the release of "Venom," this formula is inverted. This time, we are presented with a song that has a significant melodic presence but also incorporates aggressive elements.
When we talk about musical balance, we refer to something that goes beyond the band's ability to combine these elements in an independent work. In Shallows, as a band, they have the incredible ability to be versatile in moving between different nuances throughout their discography and using their musical resources correctly.
We should not confuse this aspect with the authenticity and musical identity that the band possesses. Many other current musical groups are willing to abandon their distinctive sound in order to become more radio-friendly and commercially viable, as was the case with bands that were iconic in the metalcore scene, such as Bring Me The Horizon or Architects. The guys from In Shallows maintain the essence that has characterized them since their formation, which is very present in this release, from the impeccable instrumental performance to the commanding vocal interpretation of Cameron Bostwick on clean vocals and bass, and Colin Trombley on lead vocals.
General Context
"Venom" is a song that talks about an intense and self-destructive emotional experience in a relationship. The lyrics depict the protagonist struggling with negative feelings and an addiction or dependency on someone who harms them. The metaphor of "venom" is used to represent the toxic and detrimental influence that person has on the protagonist's life. Throughout the song, there is a sense of being trapped, and how this feeling gradually deteriorates their emotional well-being.
In-Depth Analysis
The song begins with a soft guitar arpeggio played by guitarist Bobby Warthon, who uses a mix of reverb and delay effects accompanying the main chords of the song played in reverse, creating a sense of mysticism from the start. This guitar picking continues throughout the song's intro, where the explosion of sensations intensifies with the sudden entry of distorted guitars, bass, drums, and vocals. Colin Trombley's vocals, in particular, enter slightly earlier to prepare us for what's to come.
In the first line of the song, we are confronted with a question that wonders if the protagonist will ever be the same again, "Will I ever be the same," indicating that they have been struggling with these feelings for a long time and finding it difficult to know where to go. Then, in the verse, they describe feeling detached from their own skin and experiencing a painful longing, "You've left me out of my own skin, it's brought me pain I've been longing."
In the first verse of the song, we encounter a variation in the guitar picking, which returns to a cleaner tone and leaves the distortion behind. However, it still incorporates some of the effects used earlier (reverb and delay). Additionally, another guitar joins in, creating harmonies with the main picking. The vocals in this section are soft, delicate, and sound somewhat drowned out with background growls.
Suddenly, as we enter the pre-chorus, we encounter a section filled with powerful distorted guitar riffs, guttural vocals, and a drumming that becomes highly aggressive with rapid double bass pedal hits. Nick Keane, the drummer, showcases his incredible skills to seamlessly transition between sections ranging from calmness to complete musical chaos. Although this pre-chorus gives the impression of a small 'breakdown,' analyzing the complete structure of the song reveals that the main breakdown is yet to come.
Here, there is a reflection on the narrator's identity, questioning if they have become a lover of destruction, highlighting how addiction to that venom, used as a metaphor to describe how pain can become addictive. The chorus delves deeper into this feeling, emphasizing how that "venom" sinks deeply into the veins as if it were a fuel that not only harms but also gives strength to maintain that emotional bond. In the line "One touch and I'm gone but you're all that I want," the narrator reveals their vulnerability to any stimulus provided by the other person and admits that they still desire that contact, regardless of it meaning losing control and falling into a state of ecstasy or bliss.
Once this section comes to an abrupt and unexpected end, with only filtered drum sounds, it paves the way for the entrance of the chorus, where we must highlight the incredible vocal range of bassist Cameron Bostwick as he hits high notes for extended periods of time.
What the band describes through this song is not an unfamiliar feeling, as nowadays, questioning toxic relationships is a topic on everyone's lips, as if it is something we all must face at some point in our lives. This brings intense feelings of depression and a profound emotional void when we cannot comprehend or conceive life without that other person, even though giving everything could not make it work. For example, in the second verse of the song, the narrator expresses how they observe the days pass by, leaving behind only a sense of self-loathing, which keeps their heart waiting, "Watching these days pass me by, there's nothing left but self-loathing."
Finally, we reach the breakdown of the song, where we encounter a vocal line that is undoubtedly one of the most memorable: "This substance in my veins is slowly eating away!" This line serves as the key phrase of the song that listeners will remember every time they hear it. If there is a moment where In Shallows points the microphone to the audience for them to sing along, it would definitely be during this part. It is as if we can almost see the band's fans rushing onto the stage to sing these words in unison.
"Venom" is an invitation to recognize the sensation associated with the fact that not only bad things and toxic relationships bring unpleasant feelings, but also pain can be pleasurable and even addictive.
IN SHALLOWS ON-LINE
