Many bands create a sound, stick to a formula, and slowly evolve over time. Their sound may change, but generally, they are still identifiable and recognizable. The sound and formula may be new and progressive, or a tried and true method. It's also far too often a copied method morphed just enough to allow the band to call it their own. Genres, sub genres, and many, many made up or self proclaimed genres exhibit the efforts bands make to stick out and identify themselves. This is where the five member Seattle based band Heiress comes in. No matter what's to be said, you cannot label them or pin them down. Since 2006, they truly have their own sound. If you were to attempt to paste a label on their music, they would be a solid metal/post rock/rock/ambient/hardcore/punk/post metal/doom outfit. Metal works for me, actually, good metal.
The foundation of Heiress boasts of talent. With ex members of Himsa, Undertow, Jough Dawn Baker, Sharks Keep Moving and Harbinger, it's almost expected that well written music is produced. Expectations were not drowned on Made Wrong. It's apparent after two full lengths, some EPs and a split, Heiress has found a perfect blend of everything and is able to communicate their love for music through a emotional and melancholy release in Made Wrong.
With some still lingering strains of hardcore influence, this mainly post metal release captures the listener in a melodic twilight where the melancholy feel strikes a beautiful balance of a painful agony, and just a prick of adversity. There's a lot to be said about capturing a mood and feel in an album, and keeping it consistent, yet unique. Few bands can do it, but Heiress has mastered it and trickles this mood through the entire album in a proficient fashion.
The drawn out riffs and steady rhythm on many songs ("Clearing", "Last", and "Cruel Calm") headed up by the guitars suspend a sharp chill throughout. Again, striking that chord in the listener, not an extreme blast of glaciated wind, but an eerie frost. The drums are fairly calm, and causally provide a stable foundation, following the riffs and vocals journey. The vocals performed by the notable John Pettibone carry the melodic sounds, but deliver a harsh rasp. The vocals are careful to not overtake or distract, but conjoin evenly with the instruments.
Knowing how this band has evolved, and continued to transform into what they are now has been enlightening and inspiring. Made Wrong is one of the most complete and fulfilling albums I have heard in a very long time. Although it's not extremely heavy, fast, technical, or brutal, (which many bands can be) it holds its own with consistency, mood, and facilitating an emotional experience rarely found in modern metal, let alone other modern genres. It's quite clear, Heiress knows what they are doing, and they are good at it. On 3/18/16 you'll be missing out if you don't pick up a copy.
Score: 9.5/10
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