PALEFACE SWISS 'INSTRUMENT OF WAR' TRACK REVIEW

Forming in 2017, from Zürich, Switzerland, Paleface Swiss are an unmissable force in modern deathcore. The band has built a reputation for combining brutal breakdowns with emotional depth, earning a dedicated fan base across Europe and beyond. With their latest release of "Instrument of War," they've joined forces with American hardcore band Stick To Your Guns for a powerful and badass collaboration. The track is born from the two different worlds that the two bands merged while touring together. It draws Inspiration from the idea that art isn't just for display but can be used as a powerful tool to challenge, resist, and confront real-world issues, which subtly shapes its lyrical and thematic direction.  

Musically, "Instrument of War" blends the raw heaviness of Paleface Swiss with the emotionally charged hardcore sound of Stick To Your Guns. The result is a song that is punishingly heavy, but also dynamic and emotionally resonant. Guttural vocals and heavy & aggressive guitars dominate the verses, but the track doesn't stay in one lane. Melodic sections and clean vocal lines provide contrast, allowing the song to breathe while never losing its intensity. The interplay between Marc "Zelli" Zellweger's harsh delivery and Jesse Barnett's passionate performance gives the song a layered vocal identity that keeps it interesting from start to finish. Rhythmically, it's tight and aggressive, with breakdowns that hit hard but avoid becoming monotonous. Sonically, the production is sharp with every element having space, and the mix emphasises clarity without softening the track's impact.  

Lyrically, the song carries a powerful message. Continuing with the Inspiration of art can be a tool for resistance and defence, "Instrument of War" explores the role of music in fighting against injustice, conflict, and division, encouraging listeners not to remain passive, but to use their voices and art as weapons of change. The lyrics feel real and raw, conveying frustration and purpose while maintaining a clear sense of urgency throughout. Paired with the passionate performances of both vocalists, the emotional integrity behind the lyrics is amplified.   

The music video complements the song's themes perfectly. Visually dark and intense, it emphasises the emotional and ideological struggle portrayed in the lyrics, the music video avoids a narrative in favour of symbolic imagery and energetic performance shots, reinforcing the track's message without becoming overly political or instructive. It has a gritty, almost tactile feel to it, as if the tension and conflict in the song are bleeding into the visuals. The choice to bring both bands together in the same space during the video is a subtle but effective way to symbolise unity in purpose. 

Overall, "Instrument of War" is a compelling collaboration between Paleface Swiss and Stick To Your Guns that blends the brutal intensity of deathcore with the emotional urgency of hardcore. Rooted in the belief that music can be more than entertainment—that it can be a force for resistance and change—the track delivers both sonically and thematically. Crushing riffs, dynamic vocal interplay, and a sharp, modern production style create a track that feels as heavy as it is meaningful. The lyrics convey frustration, purpose, and unity, while accompanying visuals reinforce the song's raw emotion and defiant message.  

This is more than just a one-off collaboration; it's a well-crafted piece that highlights the strengths of both bands and uses their combined voices to deliver something both aggressive and thought-provoking. 

⭐️ Rating: 8/10 – All impact. No compromise.