‘Yes, we bruise very easily, but we heal very quick’ call out the vocals on Majestic Desolation’s second track A Broken Crown – the perfect metaphor for Bastions’ long absence but incredibly quick return to form. It’s been 11 long years since the release of the Welsh hardcore quartet’s debut and eight years since we’ve heard any new music from them (2014’s Bedfellows: The Forgotten Daughter). Recorded two years ago over the course of the pandemic, Majestic Desolation is an explosive revival for the band, without being hampered by nostalgia. While Bastions have all the heavy hitting elements you’d expect from a hardcore band, they don’t shy away from melody. The guitars wane and swell, creating shimmering intricate melodies that infuse elements of post metal into the co...