Reviews list for PassCode - Clarity (2019)

PassCode is a trance metal/core band, having a similar vein to Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, though with a Babymetal-inspired Japanese girl lineup. So far, I've listened to one song from this group, as part of an individual trance metal track challenge, and it became perhaps my personal favorite track from an album deemed trance metal that isn't Amaranthe. I'll tell you what that song is soon. Now it would be interesting to find out how the rest of this album contributes to deciding the fate of trance metal...

Clarity has 13 tracks, and each track has something that anyone can. There are the fast heavy songs for metalheads to enjoy, and a slow soft ballad suitable for the melodic listeners. Pretty much most of these tracks and quite fun and worth great listening.

The album opens with "Projection", a great way to introduce what PassCode is known for. The fast guitars and drums drive though rock-out pleasure. "Dive Into the Light" is another fast track, suitable for clubs with its beat and awesome bass. Third track "Ray" is a song trance fans cannot miss! It's a typical part of the band's sound, and it works like a charm. Unlike the 4th track literally titled "4". That one's much different compared to the rest, and it almost comes out as filler.

"Taking You Out" is that song from the trance metal track challenge, opening with mighty growls alongside awesome riffing, then in the verses, the girls come in with their own different styles. That heavy fast song is perhaps the greatest of this album! Next up, "The Day With Nothing" sounds closer to rock from 20 years ago. A catchy uplifting gem! "Horoscope" is also different, this time being a lovely ballad that the more melodic listeners really want. The clean vocals that the entire group sings sound so natural, and the ending guitar solo is so sweet. "It's You" returns to the usual sound, sort of. The instrumentation is more of a synthesizer-infused take on A Day to Remember's pop punk, which works quite well. The piano that sometimes appears in a nice touch. The energetic vocals ranging from melodic to extreme add catchiness to the lyrics, shining especially in the chorus. Actually the harsh vocals are much less in this track compared to the other heavy songs, and when they do appear here, they sound restrained. But never mind that, it's still a fun highlight.

What kinds of throws me off slightly is "In the Rain". First we have the video-game-sounding synth intro, then a burst of brutal harsh vocals in contrast to the happy instrumentation. That part can be considered heavy hardcore possessed by synthesizers. The band's well-known balance in sound comes in the verses with vocal melodies and catchy lyrics. Another time when the growls shine is during the breakdown. I wish the chorus could be as strong as the rest of the song though. Still it's d*mn good enjoyment for the greater fans of PassCode! "Trickster" adds more of the madness in the speedy synths and drums, though it's slightly draggy. Another breakdown occurs before the final chorus. "Tonight" isn't a really special track, but a good one to look out for. "Will" slows things down slightly while still sounding fast, but it can win a bit of their audience when adding atmosphere to live shows. The bonus track "Ichika Bachika" is once again different, but a nice ending highlight.

All in all, Clarity is a great album of J-pop-infused trancecore. Can't say I would ever recommend this entirely to the heavier metalheads. But if you're up for what Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas sounds like with a Babymetal-like lineup, you're in for a treat....

Favorites: "Projection", "Ray", "Taking You Out", "The Day With Nothing", "Horoscope", "It's You", "Ichika Bachika" (bonus track)