Lostprophets
Weapons

The story of Lostprophets is well-known by now: everyone criticizes them for being posers, flash, a group only capable of following current trends. In some ways, it's true; it seems that through their albums, the 'prophets' wanted to narrate the musical era they were living in.
They've gone through the metal era (their debut album), emocore ("Start Something"), emo pop ("Liberation Transmission"), and indie-alternative ("The Betrayed").

But here we come to the crucial question: since now, in 2012, the most popular genre is dubstep, could it be that Lostprophets have also delved into this pointless musical genre? Fortunately, the answer is no, everything has a limit. And not only that, with this "Weapons," Lostprophets seem to have finally decided what their genre is: we are talking about rock, but the kind that features epic choruses and stadium anthems.

The opening track (and first single) "Bring 'em Down" is a clear statement of intent: a catchy guitar riff, pounding drumming, an immediate chorus. And if the tone doesn't change with the exceptional "We Bring an Arsenal" (the best song on the album and one of the best ever by the Welsh...and future anthem of the Gunners?) and "A Song for Where I'm From," with "Jesus Walks" and "Another Shot" come some surprises, as the group's pop influences finally emerge.
Nothing to be surprised about, the 'prophets have always stated they are big fans of pop music, so much so that even their name stems from a Duran Duran moniker.

More surprises continue with "Better Off Dead," another phenomenal track that seems to come from Linkin Park's "Hybrid Theory", only without Chester Bennington's aggression but with Ian Watkins' swagger, and the concluding "Can't Get Enough," decidedly dark and perhaps more in 'tune' with the previous album "The Betrayed." Worth mentioning are "Somedays," a predictable crescendo ballad (a good piece nonetheless), "A Little Reminder That I'll Never Forget," a classic 'Lostprophets-style' song, and "Heart on Loan," truth be told, the only track from the album that doesn't convince me.

Actually, the title track is still left to mention, which can be found as a hidden track after "Can't Get Enough." Well, ladies and gentlemen, "Weapon" has absolutely nothing in common with the album I've just described; it seems to be from the sessions of "The Fake Sound of Progress," with Ian Watkins' screaming vocals and an extremely violent rhythm section. What does all this mean? Simple: Lostprophets have now chosen the path of the charts, and there's nothing to criticize there, especially if they write songs like "We Bring an Arsenal," but the choice to name the album after a B-side means that the Welsh combo remains true to its origins, even though they are aware that for one reason or another they might not be able to reproduce certain sounds on record again.

Okay, those who loved "The Fake Sound of Progress" will complain, but I honestly prefer a band that knows how to make bold choices and that never backs down from anyone. This is the spirit of "Weapons," and therefore 'If you bring a gun, we bring an arsenal'!

RATING: 8 (out of 10)