DEFENCES | 'LITHIUM KISS' TRACK REVIEW

Forming in Hertfordshire, Defences have stood out in the metal scene for their ability to blend metalcore aggression with melodic hooks, introspective lyrics, and a unique dual-vocal dynamic that shifts seamlessly between raw vulnerability and full-throttle rage. With previous releases like "In the Balance" and "Shatter", they've built a reputation for tracks that are as emotionally resonant as they are moshpit-ready. 

With their latest release, "Lithium Kiss," Defences take everything to the next level. The song that not only showcases their evolution as songwriters and performers but also proves they're more than ready for bigger stages and wider recognition. 

The track opens with a perfectly dystopian intro, cutthroat, cinematic, and impossible not to be drawn into. It immediately sets the tone: dark, tense, and heavily atmospheric. Rather than launching straight into chaos, the verses pull back. The arrangement becomes stripped-down, allowing Cherry Duesbury's clean vocals to shine with clarity and emotion. Beneath her voice lies a bed of intricately layered instrumentation, subtle yet complex and an unmistakable hallmark of Defences' evolving sonic identity. 

The chorus: a massive, soaring hook that explodes with energy. It's a well-thought-out, instantly memorable, and loaded with movement and momentum. Paired with the perfectly executed vocal harmonies, the melody is infectious, and the production is flawless, with each element shining without overwhelming the listener. 

A standout moment arrives in the breakdown, gritty, hard-hitting, and utterly badass. When screams collide and intertwine with Duesbury's vocals in a powerful display of dual-fronted aggression, the chemistry between them is undeniable, and when paired with the crushing instrumentals, the result is electric. Guitars are thick and punchy, drums hit like a freight train, and the low-end growl rumbles in your chest.  

The production throughout "Lithium Kiss" is truly top-tier. Every sound is massive without being messy, and a balance that many heavier bands strive for, and Defences achieves it flawlessly.  

"Lithium Kiss" is an emotionally charged, sonically explosive, and unapologetically fierce track. It's more than just a great single! It's a statement of intent. From the unmissable intro to the crushing breakdown, this is the sound of a band fully stepping up their game. 

 It's only the beginning for these guys, and I'm eager to see what's next.  Dark, dynamic, and dangerously addictive — Defences have never sounded more powerful.