A.D. channel personal scars and post-capitalist dread with “Chains Of Yesterday”
Slovenian hardcore outfit Reach A.D. has recently unleashed their latest offering, “Chains Of Yesterday,” encapsulating themes of personal remorse, growth, and deriving strength from hardships. This track, the band’s second with their current lineup, showcases a blend of heavy hardcore intertwined with influences from early 2000s metalcore, resulting in what they describe as a nod to the “00’s metalcore twist.”
Crafted under the production of anXist and mastering by Will Killingsworth at Dead Air Studios, “Chains Of Yesterday” delves into a raw sound characterized by razor-sharp guitars oscillating between 90s metallic hardcore and contemporary chug-heavy breakdowns. The relentless drums work alongside a gritty bassline creating a sonic landscape that encapsulates the essence of heavy hardcore, drawing inspiration from bands like Pain of Truth, Worst Doubt, Boundaries, and Poison The Well.
Vocalist Goran sheds light on the essence of the track, portraying it as a poignant narrative surrounding introspection into personal evolution, coming to terms with past errors, and embracing them as catalysts for personal growth. The poignant lyrics of self-realization and acceptance resonate with lines like, “I know that all my mistakes made me the man I am today, and I won’t beg for forgiveness, I am my own witness.”
Bassist Matija reflects on the genesis of the track, intending to infuse a unique dimension into Reach A.D.’s musical fabric. Drawing from a palette of melodically infused hardcore acts from his youth like Dreambound, Homeland, and Reliance, Matija aimed to amalgamate heavy hardcore with an emotive touch, leading to the creation of “Chains Of Yesterday.”
Drummer Benjamin elaborates on the collaborative writing process, emphasizing the organic flow that transpired once the band members began working on the song. The collective effort culminated in a refined product that encapsulated the band’s musical evolution into what is being termed as their fourth phase of growth.
Since their inception in 2016, Reach A.D. has undergone various lineup changes, each contributing to the band’s sonic metamorphosis. Shifting from traditional hardcore roots akin to Terror, Bent Life, Expire, and Backtrack, the band’s sound transitioned with the incorporation of vocalists Matic and Timotej, paving the way towards heavier influences inspired by Code Orange, Knocked Loose, and Jesus Piece.
The band acknowledges the pivotal role played by online DIY platforms in shaping their musical trajectory. Inspired by live sets shared by platforms like Hate5Six, Reach A.D. was fueled by a newfound vigor that eventually contributed to their growth as a band. The stagnancy in the local hardcore scene prompted the band to push boundaries and emerge as torchbearers for hardcore enthusiasts in Slovenia and the Balkans.
The symbiosis between the band members is not just musical but personal as well. Overcoming past struggles and embracing a straight-edge lifestyle, the band has found a renewed sense of clarity that is reflected in their upcoming music, focused on issues of personal growth and clarity of thought.
Embarking on a tour across Hungary, Austria, Croatia, and Slovenia, Reach A.D. aims to solidify their presence in the European hardcore scene. With upcoming shows and appearances lined up, including the Tolminator Metal Fest in July 2025, Reach A.D. is poised to carve a niche for Slovenian hardcore on a global scale.