Review: Surefire of Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Natasha Maxwell
- Jan 13
- 3 min read
![Image Copyright: Surefire [2025]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5add40_95556c9b7ab84cd784389a2bcc203043~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_618,h_607,al_c,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/5add40_95556c9b7ab84cd784389a2bcc203043~mv2.png)
Artist:
Surefire of Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Genre:
Metalcore with heavy elements
Song Title:
Release Date: 10/25/2024
Band Members
Joseph Coleman, Vocals
Jake Heckel, Guitar
Cameron Padget, Guitar
Ian Trigg, Bass
Devin Taylor, Drums
Label:
We Are Triumphant
Notable Achievements:
Opened for Enterprise Earth 10/2024
Influences: VCTMS, Boundaries
Article: Joseph Coleman explains there was not a specific process to writing "Backstab."
“The lyrics are pretty self-explanatory,” he says about their latest release from their upcoming EP. In further detail, Coleman elaborates that backstabber is the account of trusting someone within the music industry, providing support to their work, and later discovering the individual was “shit talking me behind my back.”
“It was really disheartening,” Coleman continues, “And this song is the whole reason why I don’t talk to people much anymore.” Some of the signature elements of style featured in Coleman’s vocals can be characterized as explosive, powerful, and emotional. The result is an addictive sound that enthralls the listener.
The most effective principles utilized by Surefire include:
Proportion of Intense Vocal Distortion: Coleman's voice often features a rich, controlled distortion that produces a raw, gritty sound, adding aggression and intensity to their delivery. This distortion, usually in the form of screams, growls, or yells, is powerful yet precise, showing their vocal control and technical skill.
Contrast within Dynamic Range: A hallmark of metalcore is the use of harsh, screamed vocals with melodic, clean singing. Coleman moves seamlessly between brutal screams and heavy, yet melodic instrumental tones, creating a captivating push-and-pull dynamic. This contrast creates emotional peaks that grip the listener, as the softer sections feel like a reprieve before waves of intensity return.
Balance of Powerful Breath Support and Projection: Coleman’s vocals project with immense power, often cutting through dense instrumental layers. His breath control allows him to sustain high intensity screams and notes without losing energy, giving the performance a relentless, captivating edge.
Emphasis Through Expressive Emotional Delivery: Surefire pours past experience and emotion into their vocals and instrumentals, making each layer feel necessary and meaningful. Whether expressing anger, desperation, or vulnerability, they evoke a genuine emotional response in the listener, keeping them enthralled and emotionally engaged.
Use of Pattern with Rhythmic Precision and Phrasing: The band’s timing and phrasing are meticulously synced with the instrumentals’ fast, aggressive rhythms. They use varied pacing— rapid-fire bursts —giving a percussive quality that drives the energy of the song and pulls listeners deeper into the groove.
Movement in Memorable Melodic Hooks: In clean sections, the singer introduces memorable melodies that balance out the intensity of Coleman's screams. These melodies are effective in building the intensity of each song, embedding themselves in the listener's memory and creating an addictive quality. The heavy riffs featured within the band’s music provide the foundation of their music with interesting transitions and surprising twists.
Something to note about Surefire is their camaraderie and ability to work conscientiously during live jamming sessions to tailor their sound. Together, the band’s sound is heavy, aggressive, and habit-forming.
“Backstab” marks the final chapter of the band’s Holehearted EP era, and since I last spoke with them, they’ve had some major events propel them further into prominence. Surefire announced signing to We Are Triumphant and are working toward the release of their next EP.
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