Hailing from New Zealand, metalcore band No Last Chances wears pain on their sleeve in their new single, ‘Abandonment.’ Released on July 29th, this track sheds light on the harrowing experience one endures when a parent abandons them. I truly felt a connection with No Last Chances, as I have also had a parent who walked out of my life with no intent to return. The band’s new single is a powerful condemnation of the parents who left their children behind, and a courageous validation of the rollercoaster of emotions their children (no matter their age) continually experience.
‘Abandonment’ pounds the pavement with a vigorous introduction, sporting quick-paced percussion, chug-like guitar riffs, and grimey bass lines. These instrumental elements paired with the quick pick-up of hard-hitting lyrics, “You brought me into this world, then dug a hole in it,” is exactly what makes this track the perfect telling of the truth circling the brain of one who has been abandoned by a parent. Relating personally to this new single, I truly believe this is an outstanding example of an emotionally driven narrative in the world of metal music.
These intense emotions are represented cohesively between the instrumental and the lyrics, and No Last Chances sprinkles in contrast where it counts. Throughout the track, there is a subtle synth floating in and out during the beginning verses and the bridge. Using a synth with higher pitches than the guitar and bass lines is a lightweight detail amidst the altogether dark musicianship and lyricism, piquing ones listening when it makes its appearance. ‘Abandonment’ ends with the sound of a hi-hat fading out. This kind of soft ending in metal isn’t incredibly common. Especially when the bulk of the song is overflowing with anger, vitriol, and hatred. However, this ending, regardless of its being unconventional, is the perfect end to such a powerful track. It’s almost as if it represents the exhaustion and quiet in one’s head after feeling anger so intensely. The finality that this ending provides is emphatically striking.
No Last Chances’ ‘Abandonment’ takes the listener on a ride around the conflicting feelings one experiences when their parent has left them behind and normalizes having the painstaking desire for things to have been different, for one's parent to have loved them the way they deserved. No Last Chances found their truth in vulnerability, and in doing so have been a voice for those who share similar stories of abandonment. This is the ideal, empowering track for fans of Knocked Loose and Motionless in White to rage to, or perhaps to find comfort and community in.
You can listen to the single below or stream it on No Last Chances' Spotify.
Where to find No Last Chances
so good!