Radiating sounds from Cape Town’s core, Heartmachine has recently released their first EP, Becoming – dropping heavy riffage and emotive breakdowns throughout the record, this is definitely worth checking out.
Heartmachine formed in 2024 and even though this may be a fresh collective, the band consists of talented musicians with experience in the scene. Fronted by Natalie Lucia on vocals, a solid foundation with Matthew Keswell on drums, Craig Bentley-McKune laying down the groove on bass, and Immanuel Bester with his guitar shredding sorcery – they create a captivating blend of metalcore with alternative, post-rock, and prog elements.
Released at the advent of August, Becoming consists of a three song assault and clocks in just short of 14 minutes. It’s an emotional journey, confronting topics such as self-discovery, mortality, and purpose amid a fast-paced world. Becoming is independently released on platforms like Bandcamp and it shines through its wonderful storytelling and musical passages that shift and change, keeping things interesting. There’s a vast spectrum of influence on Becoming and feels like the band is still experimenting with their identity and finding their sound.
The opening track, Solaris kicks things off with a beautifully textured soundscape – intricate and emotive instrumentation with soothing vocals, it soon opens up and embodies something more powerful and spacious. There are numerous riffs and sections in Solaris, which can possibly leave some listeners disorientated, while others may flourish in the flux.
Proud and patriotic, Protea (South Africa’s national flower) is up next and wastes little time warming us up (that’s what Solaris was for). It feels familiar and accessible with big chords and heavy breakdowns. Strong medicine.
Closing track, The Seeker evokes an introspective atmosphere and stays nearer to its motif compared to its predecessors, which also makes it the most solid track on the record. It’s an absolute banger with phenomenal vocals and stellar instrumentation.
The production and recording is of high calibre, especially for a debut release and I’m excited to see where Heartmachine goes from here. Once they have properly found their feet and refined their fire, I believe they could be a bright beacon on South Africa’s heavy metal horizon.
Dwell in Darkness. Live in Light.
-Lunis Voidbright
Purchase here → https://heartmachine.bandcamp.com/track/solaris
Listen here → https://music.apple.com/za/album/becoming-single/1828286334
Listen here → https://open.spotify.com/album/4JpZlraj40FvLFcovyRBUX