Here's some melodic modern metalcore with scathing vocal screams very reminiscent of Harvest (along with some more aggressive growls) and music that tends to revolve around the melodic Swedish metalcore style with a few more distinctive passages popping up on occasion. From a writing standpoint this is better than most of what's out there, and the performances are pretty tight as well, immediately putting them out in front of hundreds of other bands playing similar styles, but it's still not the most exciting concoction I've ever heard. I like the fact that they do seem to be dealing with a lot of other influences. I can hear some 90's European metalcore in here, some chaotic and discordant tech riffs, etc. Their strengths definitely rest in the heavier, slower rhythms though. Thankfully they keep the tremolo picking to a minimum, but there are still a lot of riffs that sound like At the Gates or early In Flames. I wish they'd have done more work with the singing vocals (as heard in "Fading Aura") too, because that aspect is a lot more fitting than the redundant screaming. The clean guitars and emphatic melodies of "Banshee" are also excellent, and something that probably should have been explored further. But alas, you deal with what you've been dealt. As for the recording? It needs work. I've heard worse, and this is definitely listenable, but it needs work. The drums are a bit distant and plunky, the bass isn't very easy to make out at all, and the guitars and vocals are sort of fighting for the spotlight. I like the guitar tone for the most part, I just think everything needs smoothing over to really work as a unit. Warmer percussion, central bass, and a tighter mix would prevent details from being lost or the busier areas from coming across as messy. Visually I'm not sure what to make of the layout. The lyrics are hard to read and the colors are inconsistent, and I'm not really into much of the main imagery, but the iconic images are great. The old dragon woodcut is nice, and I really like the band icon with an "h" in the center of a halo spiked with daggers or something. The lyrics seem typical to me though, dealing with relationships and personal turmoil with a lot of generic lines like, "Just cut my throat so I could die in your arms..." That's not really my thing. Apparently this band broke up before this record came out, which is unfortunate because I'd rather see the bands of this style that totally suck break up than those that had some promise, but I'm certainly not heartbroken... especially since some of the band members have moved on to better things (such as With Honor).
[Goodlife]
Running time - 38:54, Tracks: 10
[Notable tracks: Banshee, Sonata of Sirens, Seconds]
Goodlife Recordings - http://www.goodliferecordings.com
