Portrayal of Guilt Resuscitate Screamo’s Dangerous Potential

The crossover potential of screamo / post-hardcore is rarely realized in extreme music. Unless you're Austin, Texas-based Portrayal of Guilt, a band that shares members with hardcore masterminds Illustrations. Today, Portrayal of Guilt are premiering their new self-titled 7", a collection of three songs that showcase their dexterity within the genre. Opener "Humanity Is Frail" is a good reflection of the anger and chaos seen in the likes of Pg. 99 and Encyclopedia of American Traitors.

Melody is introduced in unexpected, sometimes sinister ways. In "The One," a guitar lead gradually become more and more menacing as it whips toward the end of the song. The 7" ends with "Mourning Ahead," a moody, constantly building work that explodes at its midpoint, scratching, self-destructive vocals becoming heavier and heavier until a final crescendo, a satisfying end to a powerful punch of an EP.

Hear the EP below, and pre-order it from Miss the Stars Records. And check out the band May 25 at Shirley's Temple in Austin.