GORE. '…Then You Cannot Love Me' EP

GORE.
…Then You Cannot Love Me EP
Spinefarm Records

GORE. is a metalcore band whose sound expands across several subgenres, including shoegaze and pop. The band formed in Texas in 2023, with Haley Roughton on vocals, Alex Reyes on guitar, and Devin Birchfield on bass. Wills Weller later joined the lineup on drums. I was first introduced to GORE. when I saw them perform as a supporting act for KITTIE, and I was instantly captivated by their stage presence and otherworldly music.

GORE. released their latest EP, '…Then You Cannot Love Me', on October 9, 2026. This release serves as a companion to their previous EPs, 'A Bud That Never Blooms' and 'If You Do Not Fear Me…', bringing their connected body of work further into focus. The new EP contains seven tracks, each carrying the atmospheric feel that attracted me to GORE. in the first place.

Track #1: “What You Paid For”

Official Visualizer: https://youtu.be/k3kt-2dfyDk?si=fpVyoDnbzL6JEW3_

This song opens with powerful instrumentals and synths before leading into beautiful, ambient vocals. The intensity returns in the chorus before fading away to make room for the next verse. The song is beautiful, with verses that feel like they’re swirling through your mind and choruses that hit with a burst of energy. The outro finishes the track perfectly, leaving you with a relaxed feeling that carries you into the next song.

Track #2: “Lead Me To The Slaughter”

Official Video: https://youtu.be/0gkpV_ulhjM?si=Rexgt9O_MerkP3kV

This track opens with deep synths and gorgeous vocals before transitioning into pounding instrumentals and more powerful vocals. This song is one of my favorites on the EP, thanks to its perfect blend of metalcore and a more relaxed sound. The tempo change near the end is one of my favorite parts, especially as someone who loves tempo changes in music. The song ends with another powerful chorus, leaving the listener wanting more.

Track #3: “Bones In The Garden”

Official Visualizer: https://youtu.be/_4w8QZ33TnA?si=5ja5f73j6acYe16G

“Bones in the Garden” has a sound that makes you feel like you’re at your local club, blending that club-like atmosphere with powerful choruses that pull you into a trance. I will definitely be catching GORE. the next time they’re in my city, just for a chance to hear this song in person. It’s incredible even when listening through my computer, but it’s one of those songs you can just tell would be life-changing to experience live. The combination of the quick tempo, booming instrumentals, and stylized vocals makes for a perfect listening experience.

Track #4: “Crucified”

Official Video: https://youtu.be/n6UUzWxWNfQ?si=JGsEs4YYO8iBMMEl

This song opens with a pop sound that transports me back to the 2010s, something which I absolutely love, before bringing me back to the present with heavier metal instrumentals. GORE. blends these sounds excellently, creating a mix that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The lyrics and rhythm are catchy, making me love the song more with every listen. The track ends abruptly, once again leaving me wanting more.

Track #5: “Walk On Water”

Official Visualizer: https://youtu.be/InnwPI84c2k?si=KqAyPKVxjaHbv8dF

The opening vocals in this track remind me a lot of Amy Lee’s vocals in Evanescence. “Walk on Water” is an upbeat song with a dark vibe that I’m obsessed with. The lyrics explore themes of emotional weight and vulnerability, two things I love in music. The sound complements these themes perfectly, blending upbeat exhilaration with emotional heaviness to create a feeling of anticipation.

Track #6: “Hallowed Ground”

Official Visualizer: https://youtu.be/xH0GAIhs9XA?si=ywT2sx-DlxrmmbkD

This track opens with a smooth, relaxed verse before punching with a powerful chorus. The lyrics explore the feeling of watching your safety net crumble, which is a relevant topic to most audiences. I love how the song blends its softer verses with a stronger chorus, creating a beautiful contrast between the two. It’s a song with sad, yet relatable lyrics, which is something I tend to gravitate towards in music. The combination of the instrumentals and lyrics makes this a track that can really stick with you.

Track #7: “Alone”

Official Visualizer: https://youtu.be/lcNlUX0duSY?si=xgxoeEw94eRL3TAH

A pop vibe kicks off this song, leading into a chorus that begins with gritty vocals before building into stronger instrumentals. It’s a combination I’m not used to hearing in music, but I really like the way GORE. pulls it off. The final chorus introduces more metalcore instrumentals, contrasting with the pop sound that carries the earlier sections. Near the end of the track, the vocals are accompanied only by a quiet synth before the song builds into one final, powerful chorus. This is a great ending to the EP, making the entire release feel complete.

Overall, '…Then You Cannot Love Me' is a great blend of metalcore and synth-pop that has me excited to see GORE. live again. The relatable lyrics make the music feel accessible to a wide audience, while the band’s atmospheric sound gives each track its own appeal. I’ll definitely be playing this EP on repeat.

4.0 Out Of 5.0

Website: https://www.goretheband.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gore.theband/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gore.theband/?hl=en