REVIEW: Timfy James - Final Boss
Producer, videographer, and ex-Hactivist member Timfy James releases his own EPK “Final Boss”.
Photo credit: Timfy James
Timfy James is a British guitarist, songwriter, and producer, best known for founding the ground-breaking bands Heart Of A Coward and Hacktivist. His innovative vision helped craft the band’s unique sound, seamlessly blending heavy polyrhythmic riffs with hip-hop and alternative metal influences.
Timfy gives us some narrative to go with the upcoming release, due out on Monday 14th July, and it’s intriguing to say the least.
“AI from 1984 wipes out the world as we know it. We must learn to live with nature to survive the next phase of life. Coming July 14th.”
We’re interested, especially as AI is such a huge topic in the creative industries at the moment. With political campaigns from all corners coming to together to fight for artist rights, it’s interesting to see more push back come in different creative forms - a sort of mockery of the stuff.
“Final Boss” starts off with a soft embrace, a bit more similar to some of Timfy’s older projects, but transitions very smoothly into a Korn-esque sound. Are we seeing old school nu-metal make its comeback? The track sounds like it could be taken straight off of “Life is Peachy”, with the heavy backing rifts and vocals. He has two styles of vocals here, and they work very well together. You have the raspy nu-metal with the softer metalcore verse vocals. They break the sections of the song up nicely, making the chorus punchy.
Later, we’re hit with another layer at 2:58 when guitarist Ugur Cikintas enters, bringing an insane solo segment with him - a more rock n roll vibe. Think Slash or Joe Perry. It works incredibly well, despite the contrast in genres. It breaks up the song’s final stretch very well.
Timfy has his own views on splicing genres together, and having his own creative freedom - something that he actively encourages.
“They told me I couldn't mix more than one genre together...‘Metal music has to be pure’. There should be no rules when it comes to music.”
This is something he advocates for in his own music, and we can see it here.
Everything is brought back full circle to finish off the song; the mix of guitars, Timfy’s vocals, and a slight softness to match the beginning.
Photo credit: Timfy James
This track, while having elements of old school nu-metal, brings its own unique sound to the forefront. It’s experimental, it’s personal, and it’s extremely relevant to the modern industry. A few different styles are blended together in a very interesting way, and they work to bring the narrative to life - and pack the punch they’re aiming for.
9/10
“Final Boss” is out on Monday 14th July.
Follow Timfy on Instagram here.
Reviewed by Courtney Wallace.