 |
|
August 29, 2008 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
01. The Great Dividers
02. Failure
03. This Lying World
04. Black Hearts Now Reign
05. Zombie Autopilot
06. Bloodlust Of The Human Condition
07. Lie To Purify
08. Endless
09. Aries
10. Predetermined Sky
11. False Idols
|
|
Well it's official I guess. Metalcore has arrived as the newest, most commercially viable subgenre of Heavy Metal and is currently poised to take over a suburb somewhere near you! Please excuse the mildly facetious tone. I always enjoy a rueful chuckle when the mainstream suddenly decides to embrace anything even remotely linked to 'Metal' as it usually becomes a short-lived, if somewhat inspiring fad. And for once - as opposed to say, the recent 'Nu-Metal' debacle of the last few years - in the case of Metalcore, the hype is greatly justified. To be perfectly honest, I really enjoy the majority of offerings I've experienced thus far from this swiftly growing and expanding arm of the Metal Beast which manages to remain true to old-school traditions while ever pushing the boundaries to newer and more exciting terrains.
It's hard not to bang one's head and pump one's fist in the air to the infectious mix of dual-lead guitar harmonies, raw street-level aggression, and percussive fury that has been termed Metalcore. Predominantly East Coast U.S.-based, the subgenre craftily combines elements of urban Hardcore with NWOSDM (New Wave Of Swedish Death Metal) melodic guitarwork and vocal stylings, and hints of old-school Bay Area Thrash. In other words, a little something for fans of everything from SLAYER, to IN FLAMES, to HATEBREED, and so on. Champions of the form include KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, SHADOWS FALL, GOD FORBID, DARKEST HOUR, LAMB OF GOD, and THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER to name but a few acts who in recent years have burst out into the Heavy Metal spotlight with their fresh and inventive take on the form.
Massachusetts-based UNEARTH (vocalist Trevor Phipps, guitarist Buz McGrath, guitarist Ken Susi, bassist John 'Slo' Maggard, and drummer Mike Justian) have long been staples of the East Coast scene, releasing a slew of EPs and one previous full-length - 2001's 'The Sting of Conscience' - on Eulogy Records before signing with Metal Blade for the release of their latest effort 'The Oncoming Storm'. Regardless of how you want to label them (I personally think all this 'core this', 'core that' business is a bit silly...It's all METAL!), these guys are hungry and taking no prisoners!
According to Metal Blade press releases, the album is: "the best heavy metal record released since the classic 1983 release by Metallica, 'Kill 'Em All.'.
Lofty praise. The best Heavy Metal release in over 20 years!?! Tall words that are obviously subjective at best. A trifle over-the-top even. Is such hype justified? Weeelll...only time will tell how this holds up against a classic such as 'Kill 'Em All', let alone about two dozen other unforgettable releases I can think of. History like hindsight is always 20/20 after all. Not something that can just be arbitrarily declared. I'll wait at least 10 years for UNEARTH to 'ripen' before commenting further on this professed status they have been awarded. But nevertheless, in the meantime I don't think it is at all unrealistic to presuppose that 'The Oncoming Storm' will certainly be remembered as a classic within it's chosen subgenre. That wouldn't be going too far at all. It really is that good of an album.
Produced by KILLSWITCH ENGAGE stringsman Adam Dutkiewicz, 'The Oncoming Storm' is an unrelenting attack right from the get-go. Opening stormer 'The Great Dividers' sees the band bursting out with unbridled fury. The pace never lets up either as each track that rolls out remains as memorable as the last. Shards of Metallic perfection shine like cold steel all over this thing; 'Black Hearts Now Reign' contains one of the best riffs TESTAMENT never wrote but wish that they did! McGrath and Susi's dual harmonies on 'Zombie Autopilot'shred like MAIDEN on speed. The brilliant leadwork of 'Bloodlust of the Human Condition' makes me crack a smile every time as I throw the horns! The pummeling assault of 'False Idols' squashes the listener flat as the album closes as harshly as it began.
Man...I could go on, as really...this just never lets up. Vocalist Phipps emits blast after blast of impassioned rage in an explosive performance that can't help but drag you down blissfully into his personal well of torment. McGrath and Susi give the Amott Bros. a run for their money with what amounts to a first-rate clinic in modern guitar. Easily some of the best leadwork I've heard in awhile. Drummer Justian (formerly of THE RED CHORD) dazzles with inventive structures and fills, and bassist Maggard stands steadfast throughout, holding the whole wonderful, chaotic black whirlwind together.
The best Heavy Metal release since 'Kill 'Em All'!?!
Debateable.
One of the best new Metal releases of 2004!?!
No doubt about it. I can't seem to get this damn thing out of my player. Try as I might, I just have to keep cranking it up, and I tell ya...it grows more with each new listen. This is the release that will put these guys on the map.
So what more can I say? Go on...get this at all costs! Your sore neck will curse you in the morning.
|
|
|
|
