Self Released 2012
1.As We March To The Fields Of War 2.Abandon All Hope
3.The Baying Of The Wolf 4.To End It All - I 5.To End It All - II 6.To End It All - III
7.This Automated Nightmare 8.Pneumonic 9.The Predators Are Here
A grandiose,
militaristic and futuristic soundscape presents itself in the form of
opener 'As We March To The Fields Of War' which isn’t so much a
track, more an introduction to the track proper, 'Abandon All Hope'
which opens up with thunderous, yet melodic rhythms. Melody being the
driving force behind the bands sound, not only musically, but
vocally. Epic, cleanly sung vocals sweep and swirl from the speakers
whilst guttural, growled vocals act as a backing accompaniment. The
create an absolutely massive sound, modern metal with a bite, the
rhythms absolutely crush and the mix of clean and harsh vocals work
extremely well, creating an epic sounding theme. Melodic guitar solos
are relied on heavily and more often than not lead the listener into
an almost trance like state. 'The Baying Of The Wolf' musically has a
more melodic death metal feel to it, the double kicks galloping along
to the crushing rhythm guitars with great accuracy and sounding tight
as hell. Again, melody is relied on heavily, especially through the
cleanly sung vocals which add that dreamy and epic feel. Extreme
metal fans who like their metal with a bit of bite will not be
disappointed, the guttural growled vocals giving the track an extreme
edge and ensure the song isn’t too melodic throughout. 'To End It
All – I' is a very very melodic affair, the song stripped right
back to an almost acoustic song. The heavier rhythm guitars
are introduced but generally seem to be used keep the song in check
as very simple riffs/chords are used. The band preferring to keep
things as melodic as possible. Cleanly sung dual vocals add even more
to the melodic atmosphere being crafted. As the track ends the music
does take a heavier turn, providing a sharp end to this monolith of a song .
'To End It All – II' begins life in quite brutal
fashion, taking on an almost heavier thrash feel, the vocals snarled
and aggressive in keeping with the heavier music. As ever though,
melodic driven passages are never far away, introduced between the
heavier sections and mixing well. There's a very futuristic feel to
this track, especially when the majority of the instruments drop out
and the guitars are left to their own devices, creating melodic lead
guitar interludes. There's a touch of Scar Symmetry here, maybe spiced
up with a touch of Gojira and even Devin Townsend. Even bands such as
Strapping Young Lad and Fear Factory spring to mind, a multitude of
sounds and references on show. 'To End It All – III' follows on
seamlessly and is more of the same and isn't that different from the
previous track, but maybe that's the intention given that it is the
same song title just a different 'part' . It is however, somewhat
heavier, the melodic death metal packing more of a punch! Precise
guitars and drums give the song a really sharp edge, these lads
obviously accomplished musicians which definitely shows here. 'This
Automated Nightmare' is as melodic as the band have sounded so far,
layered vocals and acoustic guitars bringing this song to life,
albeit slowly and melodically. The heavy guitars bellow in and give
the song a kick, but it doesn't last long as the boys once again opt
for that formula used so heavy in previous songs – melodic passage,
heavy passage, more melody etc. It wasn't particualry noticeable up to
this point. Its not so much a criticism, more an observation that the
tracks sound like they are all structured in the same fashion. 'Pneumonic'
begins life in similar fashion to its predecessor, melodic
introduction which leads well into a heavier section, the heavier
thrash element being re-introduced and again mixed with the more
melodic vocal style. Acoustic guitars are used to break the track up
into sections, which for all the talent on display, has been done in
a lot of the other tracks and is beginning to sound like the 'safe
option', the 'correct thing to do', the song never really heading off
in one clear direction, rather jumping back and forth from the
melodic sections, to the heavy sections, then back again (which all
of the tracks on the album appear to have done).
'The Predators Are
Here' closes this melodic monster of an album and anyone hoping for a
raging end will be (as I was) a bit disappointed. Yes, the tempo is
upped slightly and the harsh screamed vocals are utilised well, but
yet again, melody and atmosphere override the heaviness, which to be
fair, is the right thing to to do for such an album, finish on a
musical high rather than packing the killer punch at the end. Fans of
blast beats, manic and frantic guitars and harshly screamed and
growled vocals all played at 300bpm should walk away now, this most
definitely will not be for you. However, if your into musicianship,
time changes, well played solos and music with a heavy hint of
technicality whilst remaining melodic in essence, then this will be
right up your street. The bands ability to handle their instruments
does not even come into doubt, such is the professional nature of
this album, each instrument is brilliantly handled and the songs they
create are melodic masterpieces, played with a passion which clearly
shows through in the delivery. Modern, futuristic metal played to the
highest standard, this will probably appeal to many extreme metal
fans who appreciate intelligent music and comes well recommended.
8 out of 10
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