Metal is one of the most polarizing genres of music out there (possibly the most, outside of maybe country), and among the various forms of metal, metalcore is hardly the most inviting. Either you're ok with the fast drums, heavy guitars, and screaming (and I mean screaming) vocals, or you're not. It's really as simple as that. So if you're not into metalcore, an album like this, good as it is, won't change your mind.
However, for those predisposed to enjoy this sort of thing, you're in luck: As Daylight Dies is quite possibly the most impressive metalcore album I've ever heard, and one of the best metal albums I've come across.
Now I'm not really a big metal guy, but I was a few years ago, and I still appreciate and enjoy good metal. And this is most definitely good metal. Every instrument is masterfully played (and they need to be for this to be any good at all), but the strongest aspect is Howard Jones' vocals. He screams well, then when it comes to the chorus, sings powerfully and forcefully. When he sings "there is loooooooove" on "My Curse," there's no doubt in your mind that there is, in fact, love.
Album highlights include "My Curse," "This Is Absolution," and "The Arms of Sorrow," which is the closest these guys get to a ballad. The album is marred a bit by some weaker tracks-- "For You" comes to mind-- but overall, an impressive metal album. They won't win any converts, but they will impress fans.
Grade: A-
P.S. Below is the video for "My Curse" as well as two of the members of the band doing an a capella rendition. They do those for all the songs, and they're absolutely hilarious.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyjTVHC0SZ0
( the a capella version)
No comments:
Post a Comment