Melbourne, Australia melodic hardcore outfit SAVING FACE have released their new album Love Above All Else, a record that moves between full-throttle hardcore aggression, melodic intensity, and slower, more reflective moments. Opening track “Death Is Not the Only Way Out” immediately throws the listener into the deep end, driven by relentless hardcore energy, powerful screams, and growls that add another layer of ferocity. “Bleed” follows with punishing breakdowns, keeping the pressure high before “Flowers On Your Grave” and “Homebody” continue the album’s fast-paced, aggressive momentum.
The record’s first major shift arrives with “To Die Alone,” a slower piece that creates space to breathe while incorporating spoken-word passages. Rather than maintaining the same level of intensity throughout, SAVING FACE use changes in pace and atmosphere to give the album a more dynamic flow. “Dependence,” featuring Chris Gallagher, introduces stronger melodic elements and noticeable tempo changes, balancing the heavier foundation with a more expressive approach. These shifts give the album room to explore different shades of the band’s sound without losing its hardcore roots.
“Spiral” begins with gentle guitar work and softer melodies before erupting into a burst of hardcore violence, making its transition from restraint to aggression one of the record’s defining moments. “04/11/13” then serves as a slow instrumental interlude, offering a brief pause before “Open Casket” builds from its opening drum patterns into a melodic hardcore anthem. The track brings together the album’s contrasting qualities, moving from rhythmic groundwork into a more expansive and forceful arrangement.
The closing title track, “Love Above All Else,” brings the album to a deliberate, measured conclusion. Beginning with calm guitar parts and melodic passages, the song gradually expands into a heavier, slower-paced section before returning to the restrained melodic character that introduced it. It is a fitting ending for a record that repeatedly moves between aggression and reflection, showing SAVING FACE embracing both sides of their sound. Across its tracklist, Love Above All Else delivers a varied melodic hardcore journey that balances speed, breakdowns, atmosphere, and melody.
Get the album:
https://linktr.ee/savingfacemelb
Tracklist:
01. Death Is Not the Only Way Out
02. Bleed
03. Flowers On Your Grave
04. Homebody
05. To Die Alone
06. Dependence (feat. Chris Gallagher)
07. Spiral
08. 04/11/13
09. Open Casket
10. Love Above All Else
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