Scars of Tomorrow "Design Your Fate" CD
[Thorp]
This is the second full-length from this California band, and it's a bit different from their last record. They're still churning out melodic metalcore with a unique vocal sound that ranges from growling to screaming to occasional singing or speaking, and they still break off some simple yet powerful mosh grooves... but that's where things start to differ as well. They've shed most of the melodic Swedish death metal influences in favor of a stripped down approach that focuses more on rhythm and less on tremolo picking or guitar harmonies. While they certainly haven't perfected what they're doing yet, I think it was a smart move to head in this heavier direction, because immediately their sense of melody has become a bit more creative and somewhat influenced by post hardcore, and most importantly they don't instantly sound like the vast majority of metalcore bands out there anymore. I think they need to work with more tempo changes and speed things up more often (not too fast, though), and a bit more diversity between the songs wouldn't hurt either (things really tend to sound the same). "With Open Arms" is definitely the standout track of the record, incorporating the widest range of musical influences (from both their new and their old material) and shifts in tempo... it's very melodic on the musical side, leaving most of the aggression for the vocals. Very nice. The production's not bad. The drums are a tad rigid, and I can't really hear the bass all that much, but the vocals and guitars don't really bother me. They could deal with an extra dash of clarity, that's for sure, and they need more low-end to really drive the rhythmic nature of the tracks outward and in your face, but it sounds pretty nice. I really like the layout on this one. Especially the front and back covers of the booklet and the traycard. The textures and colors are cool, etc. The only thing I hate are the generally boring fonts used for the lyrics. The font used for the lineup and recording information and whatnot looks perfect with the style of the arrangements, and had they used that compact typeface everywhere this thing would look like a million bucks. Can't win 'em all. This is another one where the lyrics are just sort of vague and don't do anything for me, most of the content is personal though some of it does address larger issues, but they're still not really trying that hard it seems. "Killing, raping our dreams. Fallen pictures of memories. Contradictions in history. Are you going to set us free? Are you going to save the world? All this hunger, all this pain. The new addictions in broken homes. Are you going to set us free? Are you going to save the world? The contradictions in history. We have been branded all for the sake of power. Are you going to set us free? Are you going to save the world? Killing, raping, killing our dreams." Not bad. I like this better than their last album, but they still have a few hurdles to jump before they really impress me. Their next record might be the one. (6/10)
Running time - 37:14, Tracks: 9
[Notable tracks: Rebirth, Arise, With Open Arms]
Thorp Records - http://www.thorprecords.com

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