Album Rating: 2.5

Figures AftertheBreakdown would think this entry-level AVERAGE AT BEST death metal album is excellent.

Album Rating: 3.5

I've listened to this band for years.

Album Rating: 2.5

Figures AftertheBreakdown would think this entry-level AVERAGE AT BEST death metal album is excellent.

its in 3 range but doesnt really have anything redeeming about it

Album Rating: 3.5

They put on a great live show.

Hey AfterTheBreakdown. As promised, here are some pointers which I sincerely hope will be able to set you on your way in later reviews which you may choose to write.

Firstly, I think it's important to point out the slightly more minor details - mainly as attention to detail can make or break a review, especially when you start writing more often (or even in a professional capacity). Here:

i.) Words like "mix", "instrument", or even "death metal" don't need capitalizing. They are standard nouns that don't need the emphasis.

ii.) Italicize the album titles and insert song titles in inverted commas. Italicization is done by writing album title but without the spaces. Doing this gives your review a slightly more "prepped" air, and makes it look a wee bit tidier =)

iii.) Attempt to have sentences that are slightly more complicated in structure and delivery. Don't be afraid of writing long(er) sentences (although do beware of run-ons and hanging clauses and the like). In time you will find that the better reviews are those which flow from one point to another in a stream of semi-conscious writing.

And now, on to the more direct points of criticism on your review:

i.) You need a bit of an introduction. Say, try telling us who Decrepit Birth is, and how were their previous albums received. I'm no death metal fan (Megadeth is about as heavy as I go - unfortunately =[), and it's safe to assume that the bulk of your readers will be fans of heavier music, but some background information can't hurt. I would suggest taking a gander at some of the Staff/Contrib reviews to see how it's done. Having a proper opening prepares the reader a lot better than just saying "California’s extreme Death Metal band, Decrepit Birth has released their 3rd full length album titled Polarity."

ii.) Use specific songs as examples. Your review makes liberal use of general, sweeping statements; here: "Some of the songs are all over the place. It can be summed up as fast riffs galore, arpeggios and solos, prominent bass lines, as well as unforgettable double bass patterns" and "The band likes to go out of the ordinary too once in a while with a few acoustical moments."

Tell us - what are those acoustical moments? Where can they be found? What makes them out of the ordinary? And who plays them? These are all things that help neutral readers like me clue into the content of an album before deciding to make a purchase.

(continued)

iii.) "This band is here to demolish all imitators and bring back Death Metal to where it began, while pushing it forward at the same time." Melodrama rarely works in a review (I found this out the hard way), and sounding too convinced on a band's future success might end up setting you up as a fanboy...and you don't want that. It makes your opinion's coherence and overall objectivity that much weaker you see?

iv.) Editing - it always helps. Don't shy from re-reading your review again and again and again to make sure it's something that you can be proud of. I'm not sure how extensive your editing is, so I can't really expound on this on much detail (obviously), but a reminder to be vigilant always helps =)

-

I hope that I was of some service to you. For a 7th review, this is okay...but you still have a lot to do. It's not pos-worthy, in all honesty. That being said, you are on the right track with wanting to improve, and I can't neg that =) Anyway, best of luck AfterTheBreakdown, and I sincerely hope to see a piece of yours on here again sometime.

Album Rating: 3.5

Wow thanks.

Irving doesn't fuck around.

Album Rating: 3.5

Apparently not lol.

Told ya it would help.

Album Rating: 3.5

Yeah thanks man. You were definitely right about that.

I screwed up the italicization comment; I meant to say:

[i ] album title [/i ] but without the spaces

And yes I don't fuck around. LOL ;)

Album Rating: 3.5

Haha. Good to know.

Thanks Irving, the negs seem to disappoint my friend here.

[b]So voivoid like his music full of gaps and holes so flawed it's shocking?[b]

On the contrary (although i thoroughly enjoy the 70's era of rock and prog rock, where little mistakes in records were apparent, but not annoying in the least)

However, i don't quite fancy the thing that bands like Decrepit Birth or Spawn of Possession are doing.

In most cases, these bands fail to reproduce their music in full during a concert.

Hmm..I'll give this a spin after I finish Antithesis by Origin...good lord that shit is fast and pretentious...

I seem to enjoy it though...:]

Album Rating: 3.5

@Voivod I've seen these guys twice and let me tell you they definitely live up to expectations.

I need to know. Would a junz listener like myself enjoy this? I may check it out.

Album Rating: 3.5

You might like it. Give it a quick check out.