Review by Pete Finn for MPM
Any Given Day is a prominent metalcore band that formed during 2012 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. The band originally consisted of members Dennis Diehl on vocals, Andy Posdziech and Dennis ter Schmitten on guitars, Michael Golinski on bass, and Raphael Altmann on drums.
Known for their powerful and exhilarating sound, Any Given Day has released three studio albums to date, including their debut album ‘My Longest Way Home’ in 2014, followed by ‘Everlasting’ in 2016, and ‘Overpower’ in 2019.
In July 2019 drummer Raphael Altmann left the band, replacing him on the stool behind the kit was Leon Stiller, and the band remains unchanged to this day. With their compelling mix of heavy riffs, melodic hooks, and intense breakdowns, Any Given Day has solidified their position as a force to be reckoned with, not only in the German metalcore scene, but in the genre worldwide.
January 2024 sees the much-anticipated release of Any Given Day’s fourth album, ‘Limitless’ on Arising Empire. The new album contains 11-tracks, with a combined running time of 43-minutes.
Any Given Day open ‘Limitless’ with ‘Get That Done’, a rapid riff, Leon Stiller’s ground shaking drums and Diehl’s brutal vocal sets the tone instantly, it’s powerful enough to knock you off your feet. The tempo changes and the soft harmonious vocal couldn’t be more of a contrast. The track flips between assault and massaging. It closes with a pure metal solo. Any Given Day, you have my attention.
‘Unbreakable’ like the previous track was released as a single, the pop-esque opening chords are atomised as Diehl launches a ferocious vocal. The guitars of Andy Posdziech and Dennis ter Schmitten are dynamic and intricate their sound constantly evolving. The chorus has a gliding harmony, before a thunderous mid-section rap is the prelude to a fine guitar solo, this track has everything, including a fist pump inducing chant.
The title-track ‘Limitless’ is next. This will be an anthem, when this is played live the pit will open and consume all. It is a monster. Raw energy and raw power. The guitar chords are immense. Diehl’s growl, followed by the clean vocal is seamless. Golinski’s bass is causing tremors in my drink. A worthy title-track.
The intro to ‘Come Whatever May’, caught me by surprise, in a clever way. It’s more Ennio Morricone and Black Stone Cherry than metalcore. However, the band return to their roots for a mid-track bar room brawl full of metal punches, throw into the mix a classic guitar solo and you end up with an ingenious and original cross-genre track.
‘Apocalypse’ is slower and there is a higher percentage of Diehl’s clean vocals. The tempo builds, the rhythm section of Stiller and Golinski bring the heavy artillery, giving Diehl the chance to unleash his howitzer vocal. The main riff is unpretentious but infectious, the vocals sound phenomenal and carry the song through to the end.
Next, we have ‘Shockwave’, this has a more modern style. The chorus is melodic and Diehl’s clean vocal is crystal clear. The verses are heavy, really heavy. The switch between the two sounds is smooth and effortless, and towards the end of the track there is a massive breakdown, that will no doubt encourage major action in the pit.
‘Best Time’ is quick and extremely catchy, the track flows hot. This is the perfect introduction for any metalcore novice. The track has a combination of bounce and swagger. The ebb and flow of the track works well and I can see this a popular addition to a live set.
‘My Way’ is a punk track in length, being sub-3-minutes, and suitably aggressive. Diehl has a chanting style, matched by the thunderous beats of Stiller and Golinski. The guitar solo is spellbinding, straight out of the classic trash vault, it sits perfectly on top of rampaging riffs and drums.
Compatriots Annisokay have been invited to collaborate on ‘H.A.T.E.’. The result is a gutsy blend of Any Given Day’s “pull no punches” energy and power riffs, and Annisokay’s melodious and dynamic style. The vocals of Diehl and Christoph Wieczorek are a potent mix, that combine and compliment superbly.
Stiller’s drum salvo introduces ‘Broken Guardian’, the overall tempo is slower, Diehl’s lyrics are spoken in parts and his harsh vocal driving others. Stiller’s rapid intro beats appear in other segments, carrying the feisty riffs delivered by ter Schmitten and Posdziech.
The final track on ‘Limitless’ is the atmospheric ‘Shadow Walker’. The thumping beats are slower and seismic. The clean vocal chorus raises the tempo, the guitars soaring behind. The track and the album closes with a surprisingly calming instrumental outro.
The metalcore scene has never really been my thing, however, Any Given Day’s ‘Limitless’ has certainly piqued my interest. One thing that is obvious, is that these musicians are seriously talented, the mix of sounds and styles they produce is excellent. If you’re already a fan of Any Given Day, ‘Limitless’ will not disappoint, and if you’re not so familiar, it’s well worth a listen and a good way to spend 43-minutes of your time.
Limitless track listing:
01. Get That Done
02. Unbreakable
03. Limitless
04. Come Whatever May
05. Apocalypse
06. Shockwave
07. Best Time
08. My Way
09. H.A.T.E. ft. Annisokay
10. Broken Guardian
11. Shadow Walker
Any Given Day are:
Dennis Diehl | Vocals
Andy Posdziech | Guitar
Dennis Ter Schmitten | Guitar
Michael Golinski | Bass
Leon Stiller | Drums
For more information:
http://www.instagram.com/anygivenday
https://www.tiktok.com/@anygivendayofficial
http://www.facebook.com/anyxgivenxday
https://twitter.com/anyxgivenxday
https://anygivenday.eu
