The newest addition to RoadRunner Records’ lineup is Sothern California’s heavy metal band, Heartist.

Heartist formed in early 2011 and consists of members Bryce Beckley (vocals), Evan Ranallo (bass guitar), Matt Marquez (formerly the drummer for Norma Jean), Jonathon Gayton (guitar), and Tim Koch (guitar). Heartist’s debut album was released on October 22. Heartist’s goal for the EP was to blend the sounds of heavy rock and hardcore with some breakdowns.

The band sounds very much alike Asking Alexandria. They even added an electronic element to tracks like “Disconnected” and “Nothing You Didn’t Deserve” with keyboards and synthesized notes that give them a slight video game soundtrack feel. The added electronic drums in the song “Heart of Gold” don’t feel like just placed in the song, but feels more like another member of the band.

The band did a great job incorporating this sound design choice into their songs. “Where Did I Go Wrong?” features Bryce’s doubled vocals, accentuates his screams, and adds a surprising acoustic guitar break mid-song making a nice change of pace in a rather upbeat song. The balance of a singing chorus and screaming verses in “Rhinestone” make it stand out from the rest of the album and is very catchy.

Heartist is currently touring on the West Coast with Make Me Famous and other bands on the It’s Now or Winter Tour. Plan to hear more about this band in 2013 as they make an impact on the metal scene.