Divine Right - 'Salvation Ends'

There has been a host of exciting new hardcore bands emerging with superb EP’s in 2024. At the time of writing, ‘Salvation Ends’ by Divine Right is at the top of the pile for me.

Hailing from North Carolina, home of many iconic metalcore bands, Divine Right wear that influence proudly on their sleeve. These kids know their history, and the spirit of Prayer For Cleansing, Undying, From Here On, and Azazel runs through the five hard-hitting tracks on ‘Salvation Ends’. Throw in some Arkangel, Kickback and nods towards All Out War for good measure, it’s the perfect recipe for a modern classic. Oh, as if they couldn’t get any better, they are unapologetically straightedge, too.

 

This was released on streaming early in 2024, and they were picked up by long-running Southern Californian label, New Age Records. Having released fantastic records from Outspoken, Mean Season, Strife, Lifetime and more, Divine Right are in great company here.

The printing of the sleeve is high-quality, and makes the artwork really stand out.  The design layout was done by frontman Josh Allen, and has the look and feel of the something you would find in a distro circa 2001 that makes you want to buy it based on the artwork alone. Even the insert is well thought out, with lyrics on one side and a HARD black and white band shot complete with straightedge varsity jackets and cool shirts.

Being a fairly short EP, clocking in at the 16 minute mark, it’s pressed on a single-sided 12” with the artwork screen printed on to the B-side. This one is the Cheerwine variant, or red with black smoke, which is limited to 165 copies. There were also 77 copies of the Cheerwine variant pressed with classic green New Age Records labels on the A-side. Sadly this isn’t one of them, but was a nice touch for them to do that.

With a sound and visual aesthetic well beyond their years, the fact that this is just the start for Divine Right is an exciting prospect. I’m already looking forward to their next move.