Album Review: Hidden Mothers – Erosion / Avulsion (Church Road Records)

Hailing from Sheffield in the UK, Hidden Mothers are a progressive post-hardcore band who will release their long-awaited and much-anticipated debut album, ‘Erosion / Avulsion’ on November 29th, 2024, via Church Road Records.

Go all the way back to September 2020 when we said this about a debut EP:

The biggest disappointment of this debut is that it’s just three tracks long. Yet, what a trio of tracks they are. Savage at times, mournful at others, dripping in melancholic melodies and crushing blackened metal tones, this is a game-changer of a release.

We were talking about Hidden Mothers and the incredible impression they left. Fast forward to now, over four years later, and it’s finally time to look at an album that comes with hefty expectations, but also comes with the unwavering belief that it will be as great as we all expect it to be. A confidence that comes, partially, from a slew of incredible singles. One of which, Defanged, opens the record.

There’s no better track that they could have chosen to open the album with, as Defanged is a stunning showcase of Hidden Mothers’ intense post-hardcore stylings that has thick atmosphere, dazzling melody, and big progressively tinged turns. That there is no ‘big intro’ and the album just erupts with this one is so damn cool and it does set a very high bar early on.

A high bar that Hidden Mothers are more capable of reaching again and again. First, with the incredibly emotive Death Curl that makes use of some strong dour melodies to enhance the cacophony of heavy that bursts from this track like a malevolent creature out of the darkness. The evolution of this track, and how easily Hidden Mothers change the makeup as it goes on, makes it very special. There’s a lot of feeling in this album, but this track has some of the most vibrant ones.

Then there is Still Sickness, a track that begins with light and melancholic melody. Notably, a robust drumbeat keeps the focus on a peppy rhythm as the guitars threaten to wander off into the ether. After a couple of minutes of this, things switch and do so in such a startling, but lovable way. It’s Hidden Mothers getting more intense, more ethereal, and looser.

The halfway point of the record then arrives in the form of Caton Green, a short and highly melodic instrumental piece that is dripping in melancholic atmosphere. It’s as cold as it is warm, displaying aspects of isolation, while also not having a worrisome vibe. This lovely piece ends, The Grey begins, and immediately the tension is ramped up. There’s a sense of danger with the instrumental intro here and when the shift comes, heralded by just a split-second where time almost freezes, it comes with weight. The continuation of Hidden Mother’s varied vocal styles and how they share equal importance is so impressive. However, the moment of this track comes around the midpoint when we get two different versions of a melodic drop and isolated vocals shouting with ion.

Stunning and creative stuff, and there’s still so much more to come. The latter part of the record sees Hidden Mothers hitting an inspired high with the moody and morose Grandfather. The simplicity of the melody and the immense vocal delivery makes it another hugely special listen. Before along comes the most emotionally effective track of all, Violet Sun. Hidden Mothers have found even deeper and darker depths to draw intensity from, it just so happens to come from a heart-wrenchingly melodic place. All while having the errant progressive aspects and devastating power of post-hardcore on display as per usual.

In most circumstances it would be impossible to follow such a track, but this entire album is a staggering showcase of this band’s incredible creativity, so it’s no surprise that the finale of Haze delivers unforgettable brilliance too. A track that begins in such fragile fashion (those vocals will leave you mouth agape), then switches gears and transforms into a higher energy, but equally heartfelt listen, before easing out in a wailing and gnashing of melodic noise.

A sensational album, Hidden Mothers haven’t just lived up to all expectations, they’ve smashed them to pieces. This is one of the best albums of this year, and no-one can hear it and not come away feeling something.

Hidden Mothers – Erosion / Avulsion Track Listing:

1. Defanged
2. Death Curl
3. Still Sickness
4. Caton Green
5. The Grey
6. Grandfather
7. Violet Sun
8. Haze

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