Stential’s Memento Mori
A Post-Hardcore Blast Rooted in Emotion and Energy
Stential’s recently released EP, Memento Mori, is a five-track testament to the post-hardcore’s enduring power, channeling the spirit of bands like Thursday, Alexisonfire, or Saosin. With introspective lyrics, aggressive guitar riffs, intricate drumming, and a vocal delivery that teeters between melodic yearning and visceral screams, Stential delivers a sound that ticks the nostalgic box without feeling outdated. And arguably one of the most important elements, their live energy is a clear example of how they connect with their audience in a way that fans of any hardcore band would appreciate.
I’m leaning into the post-hardcore classification more than the band might, but it’s clear that Memento Mori remains a must-listen for fans of post-hardcore’s golden age and newcomers alike.
The Essence of Post-Hardcore
Post-hardcore, as a genre, thrives on its ability to balance aggression with melody, intensity with vulnerability. Born from the raw energy of hardcore punk, it evolved in the late '80s and '90s into a sound defined by emotionally charged vocals that shift seamlessly between singing and screaming, intricate guitar work blending heavy riffs with melodic lines, and dynamic shifts in tempo and intensity. The drumming is often powerful and varied, featuring complex rhythms and rapid fills that drive the music forward. Above all, post-hardcore is a vehicle for emotional expression, with lyrics that delve into personal and philosophical depths, creating a sense of urgency that resonates deeply with listeners.
A not comprehensive list of notable post-hardcore bands:
1980s
Rites of Spring
Embrace
Husker Du
1990s
Quicksand
Drive Like Jehu
Shellac
Stential pays tribute to these hallmarks without being reliant on them to draw listeners in. They’re not afraid to innovate on genre conventions to keep your attention, either. Memento Mori is a reminder that post-hardcore’s emotional intensity and sonic complexity remain as relevant as ever in 2025.
Meet Stential
At the heart of Stential’s sound is a tight-knit quartet: Kris on bass and vocals, Harry on guitar and vocals, Evan on guitar, and Dom on drums. Each member brings a distinct energy to the band, creating a cohesive unit that channels their collective passion into every track. Kris and Harry’s dual vocal approach—blending melodic singing with raw, passionate screams—gives Stential a dynamic edge, while Evan’s intricate guitar work and Dom’s relentless drumming provide the sonic backbone. Together, they craft a sound that’s heavy but melodic, aggressive, deeply emotive, and unmistakably post-hardcore.
The Sounds of Memento Mori
Memento Mori is a compact yet powerful EP, with each of its five tracks showcasing Stential’s mastery of post-hardcore’s core elements. From the opening notes (alarms?), the record grabs listeners with its intensity, layered guitar work, driving rhythms, and emotionally charged vocals.
Evan and Harry’s guitar work pays homage to that Thursday-esque sound with similar layering and melodic qualities, especially in songs like “Deforestation” or the spectacularly remastered “Five Minutes Between” which conjure up "Understanding in a Car Crash" or "For the Workforce, Drowning." Both bands use dynamic shifts between softer, melodic passages and intense, heavy riffs, creating a similarly emotive and intense atmosphere. Kris’s prominent basslines add depth, with melodic lines that shine in slower moments, grounding the guitars’ angular intensity.
Dom’s drumming stands out, with rapid fills in “Reforestation” and driving rhythms that anchor the EP. His seamless shifts between complex patterns and hard-hitting beats create a dynamic pulse, amplifying the music’s intensity.
Kris and Harry’s vocals, raw yet refined, carry the EP’s introspective lyrics about mortality, resilience, anxiety—apt for Memento Mori (“remember you must die”). Their mix of melodic singing and passionate screams, a la Saosin’s Anthony Green or Alexisonfire’s dual-vocal dynamic, complements the guitars.
Stellar Production on Memento Mori
Listening to Memento Mori the sonic depth is apparent. The EP was recorded with Josh Jakubowsski at Bird Watcher Studios and Alan Douches’ mastering at WestWestSideMusic. Jakubowski, a post-hardcore veteran from bands like Neil Perry and Hot Cross, captures Stential’s raw energy with precision, and Douches’ mastering keeps the EP sounding tight and clear. The mix balances the genre’s heavy low-end—guitars and Kris’s basslines rumble with weight in “Deforestation”—while high-end guitars and vocals cut through with crystal detail, preserving melodic nuances.
Dom’s drums are a particular highlight, with Jakubowski nailing every detail: snares snap, toms resonate, and cymbals shimmer without cluttering the mix. In “Reforestation,” intricate fills and driving kicks shine, enhanced by Douches’ organic mastering. This production elevates Stential’s emotional and technical prowess, making Memento Mori a benchmark for modern post-hardcore. “We’re all very impressed with the drums,” Kris said in a message about the album, “it’s wild how good they sound.”
Why Memento Mori Matters
Stential builds on the foundation built by post-hardcore giants of the past, infusing it with their own perspective and intensity. The EP’s heavier sound, introspective lyrics, and dynamic instrumentation make it a standout release, one that captures the genre’s essence while pushing it forward.
For fans of Thursday, Alexisonfire, or Saosin, Memento Mori is a modern callback to the music that shaped their youth. For newcomers, it’s an invitation to discover a genre that’s as emotionally raw as it is sonically complex.
With their technical prowess, emotional depth, and electrifying live presence, Memento Mori marks Stential as a band to watch if you weren’t already (shame on you).
Nice echoes of Prong in there. Digging it.