Today, Finnish dark metallic hardcore act SARS announce their debut album “Nothing Hurts Quite Like Life”, due to be released via Time To Kill Records on July 12th 2024.
“Nothing Hurts Quite Like Life” consists of 10 punishing tracks with a total run time of 36 minutes. The band look at hardcore through “a death/thrash metal kid’s” lens, so attention is paid to songwriting and arrangements too without forgetting the chugs. With three of the members as backing vocalists (Timo, Sami & Juuso) joining in, the band is able to lift Antti’s screams to a new level. Also drawing from a wide variety of music beyond the hardcore umbrella, SARS aim to keep tracks interesting all the time and are not afraid to introduce some melodies or even some atmospheric elements into the music.
The first single “Bitter Soil” is now available HERE.
Tracklist:
1. So Cold
2. Stench of Profit
3. Nothing Hurts Quite Like Life
4. Away From My Mind
5. Solstice
6. Blightbearer
7. Bitter soil
8. Not for the Violence
9. It Still Hurts
10. Gray
Preorders:
https://sarssickness.bandcamp.com/album/nothing-hurts-quite-like-life
https://timetokillrecords.com/collections/sars
Originating from the vibrant music scene of Turku, Finland,SARS emerged in 2016 as a collective vision to forge a sound rooted in “Hatebreed inspired metallic hardcore”. However, it wasn’t until 2019 that the band took its definitive form, with the foundational trio of Timo Heikkilä (drums), Sami Leinonen (guitar), and Juuso Linsamo (guitar) laying the groundwork for what would become a powerful musical force.
The ensemble gained further momentum in 2020 with the addition of the dynamic vocalist, Antti Honkanen, bringing a visceral energy to their evolving sound. The final piece of the puzzle fell into place later that year when bassist Vilho Laaksonen joined, solidifying the band’s lineup.
SARS‘ initial foray into the music scene saw them collaborate with the legendary Keijo Niinimaa (known for his work with Rotten Sound, Morbid Evils, and Goatburner). This collaboration resulted in the release of their first three singles, during which Keijo shared vocal duties with Antti. Notably, Keijo also took on the roles of tracking and producing the first two singles, contributing his wealth of experience to shape the band’s early sonic identity.
However, the journey took an unexpected turn in 2022 when Keijo, facing scheduling conflicts and commitments to his other well-established projects, had to step away from SARS. Despite his departure, the band continued to evolve, drawing on the foundation laid during their collaboration with Keijo.
SARS stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of collaboration and evolution within the music scene, carving their path with a blend of metallic hardcore and unapologetic intensity. As they forge ahead, the band remains poised to leave an indelible mark on the global heavy music landscape.
Line-up:
Antti Honkanen – Vocals
Juuso Linsamo – Guitar & backing vocals
Sami Leinonen – Guitar & backing vocals
Vilho Laaksonen – Bass
Timo Heikkilä – Drums & backing vocals
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