ANIMOSITY - Empires

ANIMOSITY
Empires
Metal Blade Records
7.5/10




Animosity grinds along in fine fashion on “Empires”, conveying a savage intensity that is augmented by substantially relevant and intellectual lyrics. Crushing, overpowering brutality is the name of the game here and this vicious quintet delivers the goods.

Like a sucker punch from out of nowhere, “Thieves” brings metal fans into a harsh world of musical mayhem as guitarists Chase Fraser and Frank Costa whip up a maelstrom of torrential axework, while vocalist Leo Miller belches forth lyrics in a manner that would make Barney Greenway quite proud. Those that like their music atrocious and vehement will revel in the blistering steel symphony carried out in “Holy Shackles.” Gang vocals ala hardcore are interjected into “The Black Page”, a track that seethes with a vengeful spite.

Meanwhile, drummer Navene Koperweis propels “Life Advocate” with insane double bass rolls and start/stop accents that will have a circle pit slamming in no time at all. It will be very interesting to see if Animosity can issue these songs with the same type of intensity in a live situation, as the songs that grace “Empires” are designed in an overwhelming manner that should be quite exciting to see in concert.

Until then, fans have more than enough to chew on with this devastating platter of ferocious metal pandemonium.


ERIN FOX © 2006 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

ARMOR FOR SLEEP - What To Do When You Are Dead

ARMOR FOR SLEEP
What To Do When You Are Dead
Equal Vision Records
6.5/10




Armor For Sleep is probably too emo for most hardcore metal maniacs, but even so, you have to admit that this group has an affinity for writing a memorable melody. These guys are much closer to Good Charlotte or Story Of The Year than many fans might care to admit, but regardless of this fact, Armor For Sleep shows themselves to write dramatic, catchy material that stays with you for hours.

“The Truth About Heaven” finds the group pulling off a definite college radio smash. Bizarre photographs adorn the album’s liner, which lends a Pink Floyd abstractness to the group’s overall image. Other solid cuts here include “Remember To Feel Real”, “The More You Talk The Less I Hear” and the odd sounding “Basement Ghost Singing”.

Overall, there’s not very much heavy metal happening here, simply a heavy dose of emotion that will surely have the young ladies swooning.


ERIN FOX © 2005 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

ACHILLES - The Dark Horse

ACHILLES
The Dark Horse
Hex Records - 2005
7/10




Achilles could stand to ride out its grooves a bit more, as heavy as “Every Hour Wounds, The Last One Kills” is, it would be that much more so if the group could stay in one place for more than a few bars.

Still, the sonic demolition engaged in here is a beauty to behold, with deeply slicing licks that cut straight to the heart influencing tortured yelling and desperate sounding vocalizations to achieve their fullest possible potential. An equal mix of DEP style disjointed maneuvering and melodic solid rock; these sonic manipulators find solace in the dramatic qualities of the well placed rests and the riding rhythms of the title track, where we find the band building a flourishing intensity and a strong anti-melody culminating in fine skull crushing fashion.

Achilles venture into progressive waters on the drifting, restless “In Lights”, the track becoming fluid via the loose tom-tom rolls looming behind the scenes, serving to accentuate the forceful attitude the song espouses. This cut contains some truly rugged riffing, as does its “Reprise”, a lumbering, swaying proclamation of density. It would be hard to ask for a song that can be so intimately brutalizing and in your face as “Wake Me When It Thunders”, but Achilles pull the dismal trip off well before launching into fading tonal sludge.

Lack of variety in the vocals still doesn’t make the tracks run together; there are more than enough interesting diversions to keep the interest of the listener. This fact alone allows “This Dark Horse” a major advantage in the horserace to create music with a crushing impact and lasting impression.

ERIN FOX © 2005 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

ABOVE THIS FIRE - In Perspective

ABOVE THIS FIRE
In Perspective
Life Sentence Records
7/10




Above This Fire brings it with a passion here on ‘In Perspective’, a thundering hardcore jaunt that is oozing with life on razing cuts like ‘The Deceiver Within’ and “What A Horrible Night To Have A Curse”.

Make no mistake, these guys stand right up to the HxC sounds of Terror while at times, vocalist Andy Hoffman can lash out with an aggression that is almost matchless in the field of ‘core. You will find plenty of gang vocals and punchy rhythms and riffs that will double you over with decisive force.

The guitar duo of Rick Sans and LT Magnotto dig into thick, chugging riffs, huge chords and mosh inducing right hand string slamming that will leave you thoroughly spent as they drive through musically violent, forceful numbers such as ‘Designing A Requiem’, a song that bristles with intensity and a sure fire attack that is nothing short of relentless skanking sonic vacation from the sometimes stagnant ‘core scene.

On ‘When Screams Go Silent’ the band really gets into the performance, tearing it up with a tune that will go over great live. ATF is a focused act that imparts more than its share of anger and negative emotions and then turns these energies into a positive force that has the presence of an oncoming bulldozer.

Standout tracks include the lead off ‘Reaction’, ‘Miles Apart’ and the massive closer ‘Burn The Daylights Out’.

The record gives the impression that this band can destroy live and makes for a solid, impressive effort from a band that is quickly gaining momentum in the underground.


ERIN FOX © 2005 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

All That Remains - The Fall Of Ideals

All That Remains
The Fall Of Ideals
Prosthetic Records
8/10




Having caused quite a stir in the metal community with a strong sophomore effort, “This Darkened Heart,” there were reasonably high expectations from fans and critics alike in regard to this release. Depending on which side of the fence you may reside on, this album can be taken as either a step forward or a step back for the group.

You’ll hear far less solos and melodic guitar playing that was present on “This Darkened Heart.” This aspect will be inviting to many hardcore minded individuals, but for those who are true heavy metal fans all the way, this particular move will be seen as something of a cop-out and a move away from the more European sound the band was originally known for. Secondly, the overall guitar sound is very thin at times, lacking the bite necessary for the types of high-octave chugging employed by Oli Hebert and Mike Martin to be truly effective, often coming off as a “Megadeth-lite” sort of sound. Coupled with clean vocals courtesy of Phil Labonte that are much more emo sounding than in the past, the result sounds like ninety percent of other bands out there far too often.

Labonte’s vocals are quite diverse, however and the addition of guttural vox into the ATR mix is one that is highly welcome. Whether the powerful vocalist is tackling shrieks, barks or long-winded screams, he’s generally effective. The biggest problem with Labonte’s vocals is that, however talented they may be, they often resonate as sounding much like every other belter in the scene. This is unfortunate, because the man obviously has a ton of talent; it’s just not delivered in a manner that stands head and shoulders above the pack. Lyrically, you’ll find a lot of overused topical matter, but Labonte delivers them convincingly enough. Even cuts like “We Stand,” with a chorus that’s way too candy-coated for such a heavy song, packs a decent punch. “This Calling” and “It Dwells In Me” each stand up as being enjoyable, if a bit over-produced. There’s so much compression on these tracks that the songs have very little room to breathe. That said, most who enjoy Trivium’s “Ember To Inferno” will love the guitar work on these cuts.

“The Fall Of Ideals” is certainly a good album by what is one of the better live metal acts attempting to emerge from the underground today. Although the band’s aggressiveness does not always translate well during the eleven tracks you’ll find here, many fans should still find this to be an intriguing, if not altogether inspiring listen.

ERIN FOX © 2005 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

A DOZEN FURIES - A Concept From Fire

A DOZEN FURIES
A Concept From Fire
Sanctuary Records
8/10




Who would have ever believed that we would see a metal band that won a record deal from a television show craft one of the most crucial heavy metal albums of 2005?

My metal brethren, there’s more than one good reason why A Dozen Furies emerged victorious from the infamous “Battle For Ozzfest” program.

It’s because this band blows ninety percent of the competition off the map in terms of songwriting skill, performance and overall musicianship.

You can’t help but bang your head to songs like “Awake And Lifeless” or “The Everlasting Grudge”. Binding the band’s varied musical explorations, drummer Mike Miller and bassist Keith Reber form a formidable team, laying down precise pulsations be they thunderous or thoroughly thumping.

Dynamics make all of the difference in this band’s mission to deliver music that carries a substantial impact. Tough, abrasive vocals are teamed with muscular riffing at times, only to lapse into high register trills and warm vocal melodies.

On the record’s title track, A Dozen Furies exhibit a foreboding creativity that rivals most acts with twice the band’s experience. Meanwhile, the group goes straight for the throat on “An Idea And Some Rope”, a cut that bears the album’s most impressive vocalization, coupled with a driving beat and sharp-sounding guitar riffing.

Even though the metalcore scene is waning, the band give the scene a swift kick in the head with “The Cycle”, a torrential mass of double kick pounding and witty guitar melodies.

Here, the band’s axe duo, Joey Turner and Marc Serrano, aim to snap a few necks with enough stop-on-a-dime guitar action to form a whiplash line at the medical clinic.

Meanwhile, vocalist Bucky Garrett takes a laid-back vocal approach during “Into Another Life” that sends the song’s chorus soaring. Garrett appears equally at home with a gruff growl as he is with the more tuneful singing, with the raspy barks of “Nightmare Of A Martyr” emphasizing the tracks bold guitar performance.

With the final result being one of the most deeply engaging metal albums of 2005, A Dozen Furies proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are deserving of the recognition that the band has thus far received.

“A Concept From Fire” is quite the amazing debut and it will be interesting to see if the group can duplicate the feat next time around. It will surely be a difficult endeavor to do so, as this is one album that should be in every metal fan’s collection.

ERIN FOX © 2005 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

CIRCA SURVIVE - On Letting Go

CIRCA SURVIVE
On Letting Go
Equal Vision Records
9/10




One couldn’t ask for a more befitting visual to convey an album’s music than the cover art which graces “On Letting Go,” the sophomore effort from Philadelphia’s Circa Survive. Summing up the extra-planetary sound of the band with a unique representation showing that the release of ego can be a rather uplifting experience, the vibrant colors and inventive creativity inherent in this particular package fall perfectly in line with the experience of hearing this outfit’s soaring sound.

Dazzling harmonies, fluid shifts in time and uniquely engaging songwriting found here reveal Circa Survive as one of the most progressive groups that modern rock has to offer today. Spring- boarding onto the national scene with a perfectly auspicious introduction to the world, the shimmering, fluttering “Juturna,” set the stage for future wonders and “On Letting Go” unquestionably lives up to all expectations.

Vocalist Anthony Green solidifies his status as one of rock music’s most spellbinding crooners, his highly palatable vocal acrobatics elevated above the group’s dreamy melodies in a manner which seems almost effortless. The personality his voice brings to songs like “Living Together” and “The Greatest Lie” is at once charming and undeniably brilliant. A driving focus introduces “In The Morning And Amazing…,” and as the band shifts gears into a flickering counterpoint, the genius in it’s approach is more than evident. Circa Survive exercises restraint when need be, a point of character that’s often lacking in other groups striving for an experimental rock sound. Whether sleepwalking through a snowy, Cure-like groove or uplifting with a vibrant, Beatles-style base, the strong musicianship and sparkling vision of the group shines through like a life-altering revelation.

Often, the group’s expansive creativity makes one wonder what might happen next. When that unexpected turn finally arrives, everything simply falls into place. Predictability is not a dogma which Circa Survive subscribes to. From the urgency and restlessness of “The Difference Between Medicine And Poison Is In The Dose” to spiraling, cosmic undertones of “Close Your Eyes To See,” the band never fails to impress its originality upon the listener. Couple that factor with a formidable arsenal of ringing melodies and memorable moments and you come up with a stunningly enjoyable formula.

“On Letting Go” solidifies the identity that was merely hinted at on “Juturna.” Taking things to an entirely different level with bolder choruses, more impassioned performances and a self confidence that is positively radiant, Circa Survive has earned a place amongst modern rock’s most entertaining acts. This record is not merely entertainment, however. It is a deeply compelling, quantifiably fantastic achievement that demands to be heard.