Review GEL “Persona” – EP – Markus' Heavy Music Blog

It hasn’t been that long since a New Jersey hardcore band released their debut album. GEL launched “Only Constant” in 2023 and to keep things rolling the band will release a new EP called “Persona”.

GEL, that’s Sami, Anthony, Maddi, Mathew and Alex, a band ready to roll. What the five-piece delivers is raging hardcore that echoes as soon as you hit the start button. “Mirage” is a mighty hardcore song with a lot of riff power and a shouting Sami Kaiser. With a running time of almost three minutes it is one of the longest songs the band has ever recorded and it doesn’t miss any of the power the band had on their debut.

“Shame” is next and grooves a bit more, using shouts and raging guitars. The song also has a melodic component and shows that Sami Kaiser can do more than just shouting. Her way of singing has a wider range than on the debut, which is one of the development steps the band has taken within a year.

The title track is another example of the aggressive power that GEL deliver. The massive groove part in the middle impresses and is a great contrast to the riff-driven rest of the song.

The last song on the EP is called “Vanity” and it is a slow grooving riff monster that shows the constant progress of the band. There is so much anger and energy in this song. Wow. There is no way you can stand still while listening to this song and the other four hardcore tracks.

“Persona” is a musical wrecking ball that hits you from the first note. It is a musical storm that will spit you out after five songs and leave you wondering what just happened. This EP reflects the rebellious spirit of youth and is a way to channel feelings and emotions. This is what makes “Persona” a very authentic and explosive release that has that special something.