Surging nu-metal modernists Tetrarch have found their stride with the release their third full length studio effort, The Ugly Side of Me' via heavy music authority, Napalm Records.

The album serves well in delivering on the expectations set from the high bar of Tetrarch's well-received sophomore LP, Unstable, which garnered widespread acclaim, a subsequent stretch of live tour dates and signaled the celebrated arrival of guitarist Diamond Rowe as a leading figure among heavy music's new school. 

Asserting a keen ear as well as songwriting adaptation, the tandem of Diamond Rowe and Josh Fore took on production of The Ugly Side of Me, working in close collaboration with Dave Otero. First resurfacing last fall with the reveal of the single, "Live Not Fantasize" the rock heavy sway of the single quickly landed the band back on heavy music's greater radar, reasserting their position as pacesetters of the nu era. The album also marked the vocal debut of Rowe, adding an element to the band's arsenal that only reinforced their prowess and versatility.

Framing the scope of the record with a succession of succinct singles in "Never Again (Parasite)," "Cold" and the resounding lead single in "Live Not Fantasize", Rowe and Fore work in lockstep to establish sturdy song structure built on a solid foundation of melody and muscle.  The final product is 10 tracks that the embrace the classic heft of the nu-metal salad days, while confidently breathing new life into the subgenre. 

Paired with the arrival of The Ugly Side of Me, Tetrarch's Josh Fore shared some insight to their latest presentation with a detailed track-by-track breakdown. The commentary not only frames the band's headspace as songwriters, but also points to the maturity and thoughtfulness of the young collective who seem to have the kind of artistic potential that has only just scratched the surface. 

"Anything Like Myself" 

JOSH FORE - "We felt there was no better track to open the album with than this one. It represents all things Tetrarch. It’s got heavy riffs, creepy sounds, and a big chorus that lets everyone know that we are back. Lyrically, it sets the tone for the album as well as it paints the picture of feeling stuck and is the first glimpse in to the ugly side of ourselves." 

"Never Again (Parasite)"

FORE - “Never Again (Parasite)” is all about dealing with toxic people in our lives and having the realization that it’s okay to shut those people out and tell them you will never give your trust or yourself to them ever again. This was new terrain for us in terms of style of song as well with a bit of a slower tempo, some clean guitar tones, and very up front electronics. In this song we fully featured Diamond on vocals on a verse for the first time which has brought a really cool element to the band and opens up a lot of possibilities in the future. 

"Live Not Fantasize"

FORE - The main riff of this song started as a complete joke. Diamond thought it was a silly riff and was ready to toss it. There was something cool about it though and with a few tweaks the riff and the song started to form this really cool identity. I’m so glad we kept working on this one because it went on to be the lead single of the whole album! We’ve been jamming this one as a band getting ready for tour and it is really gonna shine live. Vocally it’s fun to sing, Ruben and Dooms really lock in on drums and bass and it has one of Diamonds sickest solos on the whole album. 

"Erase" 

FORE - Sneaky catchy is how I would describe this song. Lyrically the verses are honest in acknowledging the realness of anxiety which boils over in the chorus where sometimes all you can do in a situation is scream! Musically it’s one of our bouncier songs on the album and has that Tetrarch drive and grit surrounded by what we hope are easy to sing melodies. It features one of my favorite vocal styles to sing on the verses with its short rhythmic vocal phrasing that I really feel like I put a lot of energy and attack into. 

"The Only Thing I’ve Got"

FORE - One of the first demos of the whole album and one of the last songs completed. I must have written and rewritten the verses and chorus 20 times to finally land on what you hear now. This song is haunting but hopeful. I really tried to paint a picture of what it’s like to sit in a room alone or go for a walk alone trying to pull yourself out of whatever negativity you are dealing with. The repeating lines of “I won’t break, I won’t break” are the main theme of this one.

"Best of Luck" 

FORE - Ever gotten an email back from someone that doesn’t want to work with you on something but wishes you “best of luck in the future”? Yea… us too and we don’t forget. We flipped that phrase on its head and took the power back. One of my favorite lines on the whole album is “best of luck keep me out of mind”. This song is angsty, it’s energetic and has some of the weirdest riffs we’ve ever written. Give this one a chance it’s got a little something for everyone. 

"Crawl" 

FORE - This is another song I really feel represents Tetrarch well. Probably one of our favorite choruses as well. It’s on the darker side of Tetrarch which is a side we love to highlight. I think all of us in life are just trying to get through sometimes. We don’t always make the right decisions be we are doing the best we can. 

"Cold" 

FORE -Another example of sticking with a song and seeing it through. This song was always one of our favorites as a demo because it was just asking to be played live. Drums and bass slam. The guitars slam and it’s another glimpse in to Diamonds creative soloing. It took a while to get the vocals just right but a couple tweaks to the music and it all came together. I think this one gets stuck in my head the most. It’s another reminder to never lose who you are for someone else especially when that person doesn’t have your best intentions at heart. 

"Headspace" 

FORE - If never giving up on yourself was a song it would be this one. It’s about knowing that no matter what you’re feeling as long as you are still fighting you are winning. Vocally this song was a lot of fun as it features a lot of different styles and delivery. The bridge almost has a sing along merry go round feel that is honestly kinda creepy.  

"The Ugly Side of Me"

FORE - The title track of the album and a personal favorite for me. This is about never being afraid to face the parts of yourself you may not like because that’s the only way to grow. It’s the realization that we can’t control everything or change the past but we can push towards the future. This was another one where bringing in Diamond on the vocals really brought the song together. The end of the song has this reversed kind of swelling sound that if you leave the album on repeat goes perfectly back in to the intro of “Anything Like Myself”. Just thought I’d share that pro tip.

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The Ugly Side of Me, the newest record from Tetrarch is now available on Napalm Records. Order the release - HERE