All Shall Perish
Awaken The Dreamers

All Shall Perish have played a risky card. I believe they are aware of it, but at the same time, I think it was necessary to introduce a change compared to the excellent work showcased in their previous two albums ("Hate.Malice.Revenge" and "The Price Of Existence"). Not because continuing along that path (blend of death metal and metal-core) wouldn't have guaranteed us (and all who follow them) immense satisfaction in realizing how sonic devastation can be enjoyable, but for the simple reason that by doing so they choose to grow as a band and not just by the number of albums released.

Not everything has been perfectly focused yet, which is understandable; after all, it's a transitional process where certainties are replaced by uncertainties. Perhaps it would have been better not to include a track like "Memories Of A Glass Sanctuary," a kind of insignificant ballad that really has nothing to do with them (not just looking at the past, but also for what they are now), that's a fact, but in the end, I feel like approving All Shall Perish's choice.

Firstly because they haven't lightened up nor have they tried to make musical compromises to become more appealing to a different audience, and they haven't changed their sound coordinates too much (metal and hardcore in their various contemporary forms still persist). Secondly, because they demonstrate that they have in their genetic code the potential to compose good songs, enhanced with guitar solos and more refined, diverse, and complex structures.

The Oakland band may have a continuous violent impact that is less than what we were used to hearing, but they have acquired a superior awareness of their expressive means, and with "Awaken The Dreamers" they have taken the first step towards something that will be fully defined with the next release. Let's say 3.5/5.