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After the decent "Shadows are Security" from 2005, an album that hinted at some good ideas even though it was too anchored to the conventions of the genre, the San Diego quintet returns with a new full-length that marks their transition from followers to leaders of the Christian metalcore movement.
But let's proceed in order: after the brief intro Separation, the notes of Something Left introduce us to the new sound universe of "An Ocean Between Us", and right from the start, it's possible to notice how Phil Sgrosso and Nick Hipa's axes grind riffs and solos worthy of the best Unearth, accompanied by the excellent rhythm section of the Gilbert/Mancino duo and the ever-convincing growl of Tim Lambesis: the beginning is one that makes a mark, but the soundscape improves even more with the next title track "An Ocean Between Us", the first real highlight of the album also thanks to the vocal contribution up to the choruses by the new bassist Josh Gilbert, author of a good melodic singing.
From here onwards, the platter will continue in this vein, alternating more "in your face" tracks where the frontal assault is favored and the singer's cavernous voice dominates ("Within Destruction", "Comfort Betrays", "Bury Us All"), with others where instead the guitars take on a more fluid approach and melody is favored in the choruses ("Forsaken", "The Sound of Truth", "Wrath Upon Ourselves", the semi-ballad "I Never Wanted").
The compositional formula adopted by the Californian band is obviously not the most original in a genre already predictable in itself like metalcore, but never before have the distinctive elements of the previous three albums been reinterpreted so intelligently by the band, thanks to songwriting that remains well balanced between heaviness and melody, without slipping into the aggressiveness for its own sake of certain "sheet music degreasers" that crowd the scene or into the cloying sweetness worthy of the worst emo group.
In conclusion, while presenting obvious nods to the progenitors Killswitch Engage (whose mastermind Adam Dutkiewicz sits in the director's chair) and the already mentioned label mates Unearth, with this fourth album As I Lay Dying finally reach their artistic maturity, delivering an album that will delight all metalcore and N.W.O.A.H.M. enthusiasts.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
08 Bury Us All (02:23)
I see them coming
With shrouds to bury us all
Before we were born they shaped our lives
Leading us into an unmarked grave
In moments life could end
So I will speak while I can
This is my chance
My time to stand
We may fail alone but that is better
Than dying with them only to be forgotten
I for one would rather suffer now
Than leave this life without passion
This is our chance
Our time to stand
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Other reviews
By Taurus
The melodic lines are in their place, and despite the extreme metal influences being partly set aside, the final result is more than good.
'An Ocean Between Us' will make you rejoice if metalcore is your favorite genre.
