SEER SEEKER, led by Nino Debarros, is a Viriginia, USA-based act that combines post-hardcore with hip-hop in a way not heard since the likes of Linkin Park. They’ve just come to my attention through their debut album release TO THE CORE.

By Graeme Smith

TO THE CORE is eight high-emotion tracks that take us on a journey from the first few tentative bars of STARLIGHT to the life-affirming close of FOUND IT. A beautifully textured collection, SEER SEEKER draw together vulnerable lows with energetic highs.

It’s part way through DIRT TO DUST that the switch gets hit. The peace of its ethereal opening is broken by a heavy bass beat before fiery rapped vocals come in. They continue relentlessly, building to a powerful climax that spills over into electronic hustler’s anthem CHASE GOLD STAY COLD.

It all proves to be a preamble, though, to the album’s two standout tracks – GONE TOO LONG and LIGHT IT UP. The former hits hard with nu-metal sensibilities and quick-fire vocal delivery. It will have you clenching your fist and raising it into the air before throwing away all your anguish to its infectious beat. LIGHT IT UP is mercilessly driving, and its chorus is a catchy earworm. It’s over within two minutes but its depth makes it feel like so much more.

Rounding off the album are the spirited ALL THE WAY, the high-tempo ANIMAL SPIRITS, and the self-confident FOUND IT.

With their debut album, SEER SEEKER are reviving genres that are long overdue a resurrection. The sudden popularity and questionable characters of nu-metal and rap-metal somewhat overshadowed their ability to bring together emotional storytelling with cathartic instrumental arrangements. As much as SEER SEEKER are paying homage to the legends, though, they are also bringing something new, and TO THE CORE is a collection that imitates nobody.

You can give TO THE CORE a listen below.