Embrace Today "We Are the Enemy" CD
[Deathwish]
I don't know what it is about this band. I should like 'em, but for some reason, they're one of the only bands on the Deathwish roster that just doesn't click with me. I mean, I like straightforward metallic hardcore that's based largely around the 90's style of chugging power chords and dashes of metal riffs in compact timeframes with burly shouting vocals, right? And these guys are branching out on this record to start including a little more melody and variety, which is good, you know? But I'm still not feeling it, and I think that's because, unfortunately, once again, the recording just isn't right for what they're doing. The drums are just rigid enough to where they can be a little flimsy at times, but that's because the guitar tone is too choppy, which accents a couple of slight performance flaws on occasion and leaves a gap in the mix that gives the drums too much prominence since the bass isn't really very evident. And beyond that, the vocal recording sounds a little flat and blown out, which strips away some of the aggression. It's weird, because they're not but so far off the mark, but it really hinders the impact of the songwriting nonetheless. If they could score a clearer, smoother guitar tone that would fill the space better at the same time as givng the bass a little more breathing room they'd probably be set, but it would definitely help to warm those drums over and give the vocals some added oomph as well. The guitar tone's the biggest culprit though, because it's heavy as fuck, but that faint ruggedness really numbs some of the riffs when the picking starts to sound choppy. There are some damn good songs here, though. So I really hope that these cats get the production nailed down at some point so I can finally start to really appreciate what they're doing. About a third of the way through the disc there's a nice set of tunes beginning with "Act V: The Murder" and its straight up metallic hardcore with a little more speed and one of the most straightforward structures, carrying straight over into "Delivered From Evil", which picks up the pace a touch as well as cranking out a nice breakdown and some dissonant metal riffs that really hit the spot for me. Then "Walk Alone" has a slower metallic intro and some churning picking patterns with lots of winding power chords later on that take a more inventive road to the chugga chugga framework. And those who dig the mosh should definitely check out the classic breakdown in "Goodnight My Love", while "Diamonds Are Forever" tosses in some unexpected acoustic guitars and backup female singing alongside staccato rhythms with a little more dissonance to really make this a standout track that bears more potential than a good number of these compositions. The design looks pretty damn nice and has the usual Jacob Bannon look with lots of spattered textures and a fiery color scheme. The booklet is printed on matte paper for added effect and contains a two-page spread of artwork for every damn song, with all of the lyrics and credits packed onto the last few pages of the booklet. The jewel case then comes in a slip sleeve with yet more emblematic artwork done up in that same style. Most of the lyrics are kind of taking a harsher and slightly more involved attack on the usual topics such as betrayal, staying true, standing up for yourself in the face of hardships, etc. - with only one track taking the all too hokey straightedge road. Now, make no mistake, I fit the bill for being "edge" myself, and I'm all for any band who still makes straightedge a prominent aspect of their material, but I just don't see much use in lines like, "I will remain true to my X," at this point, you know? This isn't a bad record, and these guys aren't a bad band. They're actually coming along nicely since they're diversifying just enough to make an impact on this one, but they've gotta get the recording in order. I don't know why they don't just use the Converge connection and lay the shit down with Kurt Ballou next time, 'cause that dude knows what the hell he's doing and almost never misses. A more effective recording is basically all these guys need to start pushing themselves to the next level. (6/10)
Running time - 31:22, Tracks: 12
[Notable tracks: Act V: The Murder, Delivered From Evil, Walk Alone, Diamonds Are Forever]
Deathwish Inc. - http://www.deathwishinc.com

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