BRACE - "SELF TITLED"

(Independent 2025)

BRACE Delivers Raw Aussie Nu-Metal Gold
Ipswich's BRACE drops their self-titled debut with crushing nu-metal that channels early Korn's darkness and Deftones' screamy intensity. Geltchy's Season 2 Episode 7 pick "Meek" showcases why this Queensland outfit is one to watch. Authentic, brutal, and distinctly Australian.

A RAW AUSSIE NU-METAL GEM FROM THE UNDERGROUND

BRACE has emerged from the industrial heartland of Ipswich with a debut that's as uncompromising as their Queensland roots. This self-titled effort isn't just another nu-metal revival act – it's a genuine statement from Australia's underground, delivering the kind of raw, authentic energy that made the genre legendary in the first place.

THE SOUND: WHERE DARKNESS MEETS AGGRESSION

Drawing immediate comparisons to early, darker Korn and the screamy intensity of Deftones, BRACE has crafted a sound that feels both nostalgically familiar and refreshingly current. The album opens with "Undo" – a track that's already gaining traction on Reddit's r/numetal community, where local fans are calling it "very Nu" with genuine appreciation for having homegrown talent representing the scene.The production strikes that perfect balance between clarity and grit. Each instrument breathes in the mix while maintaining the crushing heaviness that nu-metal demands. The bass work throughout is particularly impressive, providing both melodic foundation and rhythmic drive that clearly influences the band's creative vision.

TRACK-BY-TRACK BREAKDOWN

"Undo" sets the tone with its grinding riffs and dynamic shifts, immediately establishing BRACE's ability to blend melody with brutality."Surge" builds on that foundation with increased intensity, showcasing the band's heavier inclinations."Meek"Geltchy's Pick from The Sunday SHITSHOW Season 2, Episode 7This is where BRACE truly shines. "Meek" emerges as the album's crown jewel, and it's easy to see why Geltchy selected it for The Sunday SHITSHOW. The track demonstrates everything that makes this band special – dynamic shifts between melodic verses and crushing choruses that hit like a freight train. The accompanying music video captures the raw energy that translates seamlessly from studio to stage, proving these guys aren't just bedroom producers but genuine performers.The song's structure is deceptively complex, with layers that reveal themselves on repeated listens. It's the kind of track that works equally well blasting through car speakers on a Sunshine Coast road trip or thundering through a packed venue. Geltchy's selection proves his ear for quality – "Meek" represents everything authentic about Australian underground metal."Safe" and "Gloom" showcase the band's range, with "Gloom" particularly standing out for its atmospheric elements that set it apart from typical nu-metal fare."Deliria" dives deeper into the band's darker tendencies, while "Spiral" and "Drift" maintain the album's momentum without feeling repetitive."Eneme" closes the main sequence with some of the album's heaviest moments, featuring intricate bass work that's become a BRACE signature.The album concludes with "Ueoabhv" – a title that's as enigmatic as the track itself, leaving listeners with questions and a desire to dive back in.

Rating 4.5/5

THE IPSWICH FACTOR & COMMUNITY VISION

What sets BRACE apart isn't just their music – it's their authentic commitment to their community. They're not just representing Ipswich (postcode 4305) – they're actively working to promote it through BraceFest. This isn't manufactured rebellion – it's genuine community building through heavy music.Their approach reflects a mature understanding that being in a band means more than just making music. They want to create experiences, build community, and give back to the scene that shaped them. The festival concept shows they're thinking beyond traditional band boundaries, embracing the DIY ethos that The Sunday SHITSHOW celebrates.

LIVE POTENTIAL & FESTIVAL VISION

The live performance footage available demonstrates BRACE's ability to translate studio energy to the stage effectively, and their BraceFest plans suggest they understand the power of live music as community experience. There's something genuinely exciting about the prospect of seeing them tour live, especially the possibility of a Sunshine Coast gig that would bring their Queensland energy full circle.Their festival mentality – wanting to create "something special" and "make a day out of it" – suggests these guys have the vision and drive to become major players in Australia's heavy music scene.

THE VERDICT

"Self Titled" is a commendable debut that establishes BRACE as a band to watch in the Australian metal scene, but more importantly, it introduces us to a group with genuine community vision. While the album doesn't reinvent nu-metal, it executes the genre's core elements with passion, technical skill, and most importantly – authenticity backed by real action.This album serves as the foundation for what's clearly going to be much more than just a band. BRACE represents the new wave of Australian metal, carrying the torch for regional scenes and proving that genuine talent combined with community vision can emerge from anywhere.Strengths:

  • Authentic regional identity and genuine community commitment
  • Strong musicianship across all instruments
  • Festival-minded approach to building scene
  • Standout tracks like "Meek" that showcase real songwriting ability
  • Clear vision beyond just being a band

For Fans Of: Early Korn, screamy Deftones, Australian metal underground, community-driven music scenes

Best Experienced: Loud, with anticipation for BraceFest, and attention to those bass lines that clearly drive the band's creative vision

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