๐๐ฌ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐๐ซ: ๐๐๐ฐ ๐๐ฆ๐จ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง—๐๐๐ฐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐
Islander (2011) is a punk/hardcore/alt-metal band originating from South Carolina. Founded by Mikey Carvajal, they signed to Victory Records in 2013. In 2014, Islander released their debut full-length studio album Violence and Destruction.
While Islander isn't an explicitly Christian band, Mikey's lyrics often allude to his faith. Tracks like "Coconut Dracula" and "New Wave" reflect a journey of newfound faith and change while still maintaining the heavy, emo-tinged sound. The track "New Wave" reached #22 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart, while its neighboring track, "Coconut Dracula" found a place on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart, reaching #23.
Violence and Destruction went on to be received with open arms by both believers and nonbelievers alike, receiving praise for its raw emotion and authentic gritty sound.
"Stark realism is hard to find in today's music world. While 'feel-good' music isn't inherently bad, a true music listener must learn to appreciate darker lyrical tones. They have a positive outlook but aren't afraid to explore the shadows of reality." - Metalheaddrummer of Sputnik Music.
From melodic-tinged hits like "New Wave," reminiscent of Deftones, to more hardcore-punk-esque songs like "Side Effects of Youth" and "The Sadness of Graves," that one could compare to "The Anti Mother". Islander poured their heart into this album, creating a Picasso-like masterpiece.
In 2016, they released one of my favorite albums, Power Under Control. The album peaked at #18 on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums. Exploring the deeper meaning of this album, Mikey stated in a 2016 interview that the album was a "concept of a character learning to be focused and at peace with life while dealing with the struggles life has to offer." This album contained emotionally heavy tracks such as "Bad Guy," which emphasizes having to say what you need to say to those you love, even when it isn’t popular.
The track "Bad Guy" went on to peak at #28 on Billboard Mainstream Airplay. Another notable track is "Beelzebub," a slower, more melodic piece that brings light to the difference between those who crave fleshly pleasures and the realization of the world's evil. "Power Under Control" beautifully highlights the struggle with said character on morality and flourishes through creativity with diligent biblical
allusions.
Though Islander parted ways with Victory Records in 2017 due to creative differences, they went on to sign with Better Noise Music in 2022. With collaborations from Zao, Underoath, Spencer Chamberlain (Underoath), Lacey Strum (Flyleaf), Brian 'Head' Welch (KoRn), Sonny Sandoval (P.O.D.), Living Sacrifice, among many others, Islander released their third studio album It’s Not Easy Being Human. While it wasn't my favorite album of theirs, several tracks stood out to me. When it came to the heart of the album, Mikey stated in a 2022 interview with Blabbermouth,
"It’s not easy being human. It’s something everyone can relate to. We know that this life isn’t easy, and as frequently as we’ve all heard the saying, 'people are dealing with their struggles that we may know about,' we want to actually apply that knowledge into choosing to be good to one another. It’s as simple as the title says... It’s Not Easy Being Human, so we hope it encourages everyone to show each other a little grace in this crazy life."
Tracks like "Skateboard Flowers" and "Tear It Down" tapping into early hardcore roots, to the more mellow reflective track that one could compare to the sound of “Power Under Control” "What Do You Gotta Lose," which emphasizes one’s value in life, speaking out against suicide, "It’s Not Easy Being Human" deserves a chance to be heard.
While some critics felt their third album fell flat, Islander delivered a staunch, unapologetic, roundhouse kick in the face with their atomic fourth album Grammy Nominated
in 2024. This album would be their first truly independent album, fully fan-funded and supported.
"I know that bands say this sometimes, but our new album 'Grammy Nominated' is hands down our heaviest yet. We felt the freedom to do what we wanted to do, now that we are independent. We had been told that if we scream too much or don’t lighten up on the guitars, that people wouldn’t like it. We just did the opposite of that. This is our best record, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it." - Mikey.
After its initial release, "Grammy Nominated" debuted at #3 on Apple Music. The track "Ritual of Death" went on to be the 2nd Most Added Song at Metal Radio. This album is raw, vulnerable, heavy, and unapologetic. From the plea for justice for the victims of the West Memphis Three on the track "Ritual of Death," combined with its brutal screams, elegantly heavy guitar riffs, and intense drums, to their metaphorical track "Witch" that comes face-to-face with the stark reality of temptation and addiction, like a siren luring victims with its gleaming, sly lies. Though this album has yet to be nominated for a Grammy, the name and essence truly carry the sentiment that it deserves one.
When it comes to bands like Islander, '68, and Fine China, it's hard to understand how these bands don't have more of a following. Islander truly is a band like no other—raw, honest, and uniquely their own. If you're into bands like Deftones, Glassjaw, Hopesfall, or Zao, I would highly recommend you give them a listen.
This was really good
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