The Reticent – please

American phenomena The Reticent is a project by music teacher Chris Hathcock. Anyone who has listened to his previous releases will know that each one deals with difficult subjects. It has been five years since his last album ‘The Oubliette’. The story told on that incredible record is a harrowing one. It concerns the character of Henry and his decline and demise due to dementia. This is something that resonates with many families, and the album remains one of my all-time favourites.

For his new album, “please” Chris has tackled the equally distressing subject of depression and suicide. As with all his albums it is based on his own experiences. Delving into such matters through the medium of progressive/black/death metal might not sound very appealing and will not be for everyone. Music aside, the subject matter is very serious and could have an adverse effect on some people. Conversely some listeners may find it helpful. Personally, I find that this and Chris’s other releases bring diversity and emotional experiences that I have rarely experienced elsewhere in music.

A quick glance at the track titles is enough to create a feeling of intrigue and excitement. The album artwork by Joscelyne Hauserman is also thought provoking. The short opening track, ’Intake’ jumps straight in at the deep end, starting with some sobering facts. “Suicide…. in the United States is becoming an epidemic”. This mainly spoken word intro is punctuated with sombre piano chords and paves the way to a more in-depth expośe.

Further exploration begins with ‘The Concealment (Those Who Don’t Want to Wake)’. For those who have heard previous releases by The Reticent, the style will be immediately familiar. The constantly changing riffs and harmonies compel you to pay attention, because this complexity and accompanying storyline require it.

In a juxtaposition to the previous chapter ‘The Night River (Those Who Cannot Rest)’ relates to a different perspective of the main theme. Unlike ‘The Oubliette’ which told a story, this album deals with various aspects of the subject. In this case, it is insomnia which is delivered as a prog rock/metal song. The track gets increasingly more aggressive to emulate the onset of depression.

Narration on the album is handled by the aptly and presumably coincidently named Vienna Gloom. She appears at various points notably in the short interludes, the first of which is ‘Diagnosis 1’. Relating to panic attacks it is recorded in an eerie way that is intended to suggest the feeling of anxiety.

The most aggressive track on the album is ‘The Bed of Wasps (Those Consumed with Panic)’. It features Brian Kingsland (Enthean, Imperishable, Nile) on guest vocals. Incorporating black, death and thrash metal, this frantic song uses odd time signatures to express the onset of panic disorder. The additional sound of wasps in the track is slightly unnerving but effective.

Lead guitar duties are taken on by James Nelson (Nospūn). Anyone that attended the 25^th edition of Progpower Europe this year will be familiar with him and his band. All other instruments and most of the vocals are performed by the main man, Mr Hathcock.

Another angle is explored in ‘The Scorn (Those Who Don’t Understand)’. The track starts with a short section of an interview with Andrew Tate by Piers Morgan, need I say more? The song takes the position of those who scoff at the idea of clinical depression being a disease. This hard-hitting track has some growls and well as clean vocals. The tone of the song appears to be mocking those who mock the accepted scientific position.

The symptoms are escalated for another short interlude ‘Diagnosis 2’. This one deals with major depressive disorder, and the narration is more suppressed and calmer. Towards the end the sound of the ocean can be heard fading in to merge into ‘The Riptide (Those Without Hope)’. Reading between the gentle lines of the lyrics reveals this song is about depression leading to the thought that suicide is the only option. It is performed with just keyboards, guitar and vocals and is the mellowest track on this album.

One of my favourite tracks on the album is ‘The Chance (Those Who Let Go)’. It is also one of the mellowest and one of the saddest. It is told from the point of view of someone on the verge of suicide. From the halfway point a beautiful melody fades in, increases in intensity towards the end of the song, then cuts off abruptly. The implication here is obvious, making the track both beautiful and tragic.

Photo Credit – Justin H. Reich

The last short interlude ‘Discharge’ is actually the outro. Again, narration regarding suicide is accompanied by intermittent piano notes and other eerie sounds. Which leaves you reflecting on the importance of the messages within this incredible album.

As some of you will know by now, guitarist James Nelson will make a welcome return to the Netherlands for Progpower Europe 2026. This time it will be with The Reticent, who will be the opening act on the first day of the festival. That is something I am looking forward to very much and I know others are too. All being well it will be one more off my now small bucket list of bands to see. They have also been announced as the opening band at Progpower USA 2026.

I cannot fault this latest release in any way. Five years has been a long time to wait for it but it’s well worth that wait. I and many others now need to wait with bated breath for whatever Chris comes up with next. It’s guaranteed to be excellent; his track record ensures that.

Track-list:

1. Intake
2. The Concealment (Those Who Don’t Want to Wake)
3. The Night River (Those Who Can’t Rest)
4. Diagnosis 1
5. The Bed of Wasps (Those Consumed with Panic)
6. The Scorn (Those Who Don’t Understand)
7. Diagnosis 2
8. The Riptide (Those Without Hope)
9. The Chance (Those Who Let Go)
10. Discharge