Toothless, Misinformed (EP) | Album Review 💿

Wilkes-Barre, PA metalcore collective Toothless thrive off of aggression, chaos, energy & relentless intensity on Misinformed (EP). 

“I’ll be sleeping in my own bed when those bastards come to take me.” That lyric excerpted from the song “Grinner” is definitely ear catching to say the least.  It’s part of a degree of chaos that characterizes the three-song project at hand, Misinformed (EP). In the context of this effort that arrives courtesy of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania metalcore collective Toothless, the chaos is nothing sort of alluring and exhilarating.  Toothless is comprised of Travis Antoniello (vocals), Erick Novroski (bass / vocals), Brian Zannetti (guitar), and James Slattery (drums).

The premise of Misinformed (EP) is actually pretty heady, ‘focusing on the current obsession with anti-intellectualism and the weaponizing of disinformation in the modern age.’ Wow! Dare I say this eccentric, manic, and noisy EP is the perfect prescription for what ails – therapeutic if you will? If nothing else, it’s definitely intriguing… and quite loud! Worth noting, it was produced, engineered, and mixed by Greg Thomas and Christ Teti (Silver Bullet Studios) and mastered by Bill Henderson (Azimuth Mastering).

“The Neighbors”

Toothless kicks off Misinformed (EP) with “The Neighbors,” which certainly isn’t devoid of chaos.  The three-minute-plus record commences with crunchy, distorted, and messy guitars. The sound is simultaneously energetic and enigmatic.  Adding to a dark and damning sound, the listener is treated to intense, wild screamed vocals by Travis Antoniello that lack one iota of melody.  While that might be negative in some instances, it’s certainly not the case here, where the vibe is hellishly alluring.  One minute in, “The Neighbors” experiences a change of pace that incites further chaos – a truly unkempt transitional section.  It resolves to a degree of stability, at least contextually.  Still, this is noisy and abrasive music.  Even with its ambitiousness and extremely loud dynamics, “The Neighborhood” exhibits some order, with the original section returning to close out the rad cut.

“Grinner”

“Are you suspect of my motivations yet?” ✓ “Grinner” further exemplifies the chaotic characterization bestowed upon Toothless; it perfectly captures anger and angst. In addition to Antoniello’s vocals, this wild ride adds Justin Bonitz on vocals, and man, the result is ferocious. “Grinner” is built on a level of anxiety:

“I’m gone, I’ve had enough waiting through this whole damned thing
I fear my only discourse is to die.”

Well, that’s, um, dramatic, pained, unsettling, etc. The band describes the record as “spastic” and “aggressive” – I concur.  Everything about “Grinner” is over the top. It’s loud, in your face, and characterized by piercing, screamed vocals.  There’s a degree of distinction and uniqueness given the unorthodox, unconventional nature of the song.  Sure, we expect metal and metalcore to punch you right in the gut, like the guitars and drums do exceptionally well here, but there’s literally no restraint shown in the least – no let-up whatsoever.  What I’m saying is, “Grinner” “kicks ass and takes name” from start to finish, which is a mere 1:55.  It’s certainly a potent song just missing the two-minute-mark, of course.

“Timeline: Eroded” 

Misinformed (EP) concludes with “Timeline: Eroded,” the longest of the three songs, running past five minutes.  “Timeline: Eroded” commences with a busy, driving, rhythmic instrumental intro.  From the jump, the record remains aggressive, if more accessible than “The Neighbors” or “Grinner.” The first vocals don’t enter the mix until about one-and-a-half minutes in.  Interesting, the Antoniello initially performs in an undertone, yet there’s still a negative connotation – ah the spirit of metal! The roar that characterizes many of his vocals arrives soon enough, in all it’s infernal glory! Like everything else on Misinformed, the heavier moments are quite epic.  Even when “Timeline: Eroded” pulls back within its final minute, the darkness and somewhat enigmatic vibe remain potent.

Final Thoughts 

Misinformed (EP) may only be comprised of three songs, but they are three compelling songs. Honestly, tough to pick a gem that shines more than the other since Toothless delivers the goods.  “The Neighbors” kicks things off with a bang, while “Grinner” is full-on chaos, in the most badass way possible. “Timeline: Eroded,” meanwhile, balances subtler and more overt moments incredibly well.  All in all, prepare to rock TF out with Toothless on Misinformed – you won’t be disappointed!

✓ Gem: “Grinner”

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Toothless • Misinformed (EP) • Release: 5.5.20

Photo Credit: Toothless, Travis Antoniello