Baton Rouge may be best known for its rich history and southern charm, but within its vibrant music scene, a metalcore force known as Decoy has been making serious waves. Since their formation in the summer of 2017, this quintet has been redefining the boundaries of the genre with their raw, unfiltered sound. As they prepare to release their latest EP, Re:selection on January 12, 2024, Decoy stands ready to claim their place in the upper echelons of the metal scene.
The Evolution of Decoy
Decoy’s journey began with a passionate commitment to crafting music that cuts straight to the bone. Influenced by the sonic aggression of bands like Hatebreed, Converge, and Slipknot, Decoy’s sound is an intense amalgamation of dissonant guitars, ferocious vocals, and a pummeling low end that leaves listeners both battered and exhilarated. The band’s early years saw the release of their first EP in 2018, and they quickly became a staple in the regional metalcore circuit. However, it was the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lineup changes that truly shaped the band’s current direction.
The temporary departure and eventual return of vocalist Jonah Smith in 2023 marked a pivotal moment for Decoy. The band’s previous project, Natural Selection, was scrapped, but from its remnants emerged the raw and reimagined energy of Re:selection. This new EP is not just a continuation of their sound, but a refinement—an embodiment of their growth and their refusal to conform.
Re:selection: A Sonic Assault
Re:selection is a testament to Decoy’s unyielding dedication to their craft. The EP channels the band’s internal demons, tackling heavy themes such as drug abuse, self-harm, and mental illness, all while casting a critical eye on the nightmarish realities of modern technology. It’s not just music; it’s a visceral experience, a sonic assault that demands attention.
The production on Re:selection mirrors the band’s intent—unpolished, aggressive, and brutally honest. The tracks are a controlled chaos, each note and lyric meticulously designed to evoke the raw emotion that defines Decoy’s music. The addition of Jonah’s intense vocal delivery to the relentless drumming of Lucien Champton, the razor-sharp riffs of Bobby Burnette and Matt Rumfellow, and the thunderous bass lines from Chris Rumfellow, creates a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly brutal.
The Road Ahead
With Re:selection poised to drop, Decoy is ready to take their place on the national stage. Their high-energy live performances have already earned them a dedicated following, and the new EP is sure to solidify their reputation as one of the most promising acts in the metalcore scene today.
For fans of heavy music, Decoy is a band to watch. Their relentless drive and uncompromising sound make them stand out in a crowded field, and Re:selection is proof that they are only just getting started.
You can listen to Re:selection on all major streaming platforms now and follow Decoy on Instagram to stay updated on upcoming tours and releases.
