Whilst it can be comforting when a band finds a niche and doesn’t stray too far from that, it can also be fascinating to see bands continuing to push their sound forward however they can to test what they are capable of. Sitting somewhere in the borders between Black Metal and Screamo, Texas three piece Portrayal of Guilt have been a band who’s music has always been a fascinating delve into the darkest depths of decay that purvey the world we live in. After three years away, the band have returned with their fifth album The Beginning of the End, a release which is possibly their most accessible album yet whilst also being just as unforgiving a listen as their past work.
The Beginning of the End definitely leans more into the black metal side of Portrayal of Guilt than the Screamo side, but that is filtered through more Industrial and Noise Rock influenced layers alongside a handful of Nu Metal sensibilities for good measure. The low tuned rhythmic basslines and soul destroying guitars are paired with unsettling noises which can really add to the atmosphere of certain tracks. ‘Human Terror’ sets the tone for the album perfectly, opening with a bass line which wouldn’t sound out of place on an early Korn album that later gets accompanied by some high pitched noises alongside the band’s signature Black Metal influenced atmospheric guitars and the screams of vocalist Matt King. The track switches between a reliable loud/quiet dynamic with the choruses seeing the guitars switch from arpeggiated chord picking to loud and down tuned power chords with King’s vocals remaining the only constant between these differing dynamics.
“as unforgiving a listen as their past work”
Another highlight of the album is fifth track ‘Ecstasy’. This particular track sees the band leaning fully into the Nu Metal and Industrial side with a chorus that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Nine Inch Nails album paired with King experimenting with clean vocals. These are performed with a somewhat mumbled croon that bring to mind the best of 90’s Nu Metal and help the chorus stand out from the verses which make use of the tried and true low screams of the past. It still sounds like a Portrayl of Guilt song but it also sounds like a true evolution of their established sound.
Speaking of vocals, ‘Chamber of Misery Pt. IV’ features rapper Slim Guerilla. This is paired with the dark industrial influenced sound that the band employs throughout the album and fits surprisingly well and adds an interesting dimension to what would otherwise be an instrumental interlude.
In spite of this being their most accessible album yet, Portrayal of Guilt make sure that they don’t completely divorce themselves from everything that came before. Early highlight ‘Heavens Gate’ starts with some pounding blastbeats to make listeners jump out of their seats and final track ‘The Last Judgement’ brings the album to a close with arguably the heaviest and most punishing track on the album. The latter brings the black metal to the forefront with some dark yet melodic chords that bring to mind some of the screamo influenced sounds the band has utilised in the past.
With The Beginning of the End, Portrayal of Guilt have managed to present the most accessible version of their sound yet without alienating those who have already fallen in love with them. The new elements of their sound sit nicely alongside their established formula and make the long gap between this album and their previous one all the more worthwhile.