Track Review: I Can’t Breathe // Hail
With the intimacy of Evanescence and power of Hailstorm, Hail is the definition of contemporary melodic metal. Hailing from Southampton, the UK-based singer-songwriter is building a reputation for engaging, evocative lyricism atop moving melodies. Despite having only four singles to her name, Hail has grabbed the attention of music critics across the globe featured on The Other Side Reviews, A&R Factory and several online radio stations. The latest addition to her critically acclaimed discography is the single ‘I Can’t Breathe’.
Recorded with producer Matt Parisi at River Studios in Southampton, ‘I Can’t Breathe’ is a heartbreaking and spine-chilling single. Melding her classically trained vocals with a haunting piano-driven rock track, Hail brings the sounds of early-2000s emo bands to modern society. What I find particularly chilling is the similarity to Amy Lee encapsulating the haunting quality of Evanescence with a heavy rock undertone. I can’t help but think ‘I Can’t Breathe’ would be the perfect follow-up to Evanescence’s ‘Bring Me To Life’.
“The song was inspired by dark thoughts that I had. I slowly turned these thoughts into lyrics which fit with the haunting piano and then wove a story to give a face to the pain. The story may not be a real one, but the pain and despair in the lyrics is.” – Hail on ‘I Can’t Breathe’
Using a personal narrative, Hail engages with the listener pulling one into a kaleidoscopic swirl of despair. Inspired by a tragic accident, the lyricism exudes raw honesty, pain and desperation. Elegantly traversing the soul-stirring melody, Hail effortlessly executes the provocative lyricism enhancing the turmoil and suffering felt by the protagonist. Yet, while there is a desperate quality to her tone, the melancholic vocals soar with a strong sense of sentimentality and sincerity.