Review Summary: Symphonic Deathcore done right. In no way a "Winds of Plague" copy cat.
With the rising number of Deathcore bands coming onto the scene, it's hard to find a deathcore band that brings any variation (Or talent for that matter.) to the mix. But Australian Deathcore band Make Them Suffer seem to have it figured out. I was very weary of this band at first, seeing how the only symphonic deathcore band happened to be Winds of Plague. (Kill me now, right?) Wrong. I took a listen to Neverbloom and it blew my ***ing mind.
The album starts out as a calm symphony and grand piano sound the arrival of what brutality is to come. The "Calm before the storm", if you will. Then it fades right into the first full length track.
2. Neverbloom -
Oh my. What have we here? Riffing? Lack of breakdown? Actual music perhaps? Looks like it as we are introduced into the title track. This song is jam packed with a lot of brutality, and it has probably the best breakdown in the entire album. Although the song is quite lengthy at 6:42 (You're going to see that alot.) It keeps up as it progresses. I especially not only love the bass drops in this album because they don't distort the rest of the music, but the piano is great. Most bands play on an electronic keyboard, but not this band. Louisa Burton is a great pianist, offering a great deal of soft contrast to the death metal riffing and heavy breakdowns. And this isn't just hitting 3 or 4 keys in progression, no, this is actual piano riffing and melody. This adds a melodic and beautiful sound to the music that gives it a sound unlike many other bands in the genre. In addition, this song has the only clean vocals in the album. Subtle and short, perfect in essence.
3- 4. Morrow and Elegies -
These next songs follow the same formula as most of the songs in the rest of the album. They are very groove influenced and the breakdowns are placed almost perfectly. Great piano riffing once again. Bass drops added exactly where they should be. Though they both sound almost the same, they are still good songs.
Side note: This album features a poetic song writing style that is basically unheard of in a genre that is often plagued by ***ty, generic, and sometimes whiny lyrics. There is a large use of vocabulary that you don't see often and it offers a great deal to the album as a whole.
5. Maelstrom -
I lost my *** at this. I don't mean to sound like a biased fan boy but wow. For such a simple breakdown, this song features one of the most powerful breakdowns in the album. It has a strong song structure, though it is a lengthy song at 6:50. As I mentioned before, the lyrics in this album are very poetic and can appeal as actual works of poetry on it's own. Here is no exception. Sean Harmanis, the lead vocalist, takes a beautifully written poem and turns into a brutal, powerfully moving song with his screams that border on the black metal and lows that bellow in your ears. The guitar work of Nick McLernon and Craig Buckingham throughout the album is commendable. The drumming is great, though not breath taking, and I would have liked to hear the bass had it not been drowned out by the other instruments.
6. Oceans of Emptiness -
This is a good break from the constant brutality. A beautiful orchestral piece that is a perfect little interlude in the album.
7. The Well
8. Weeping Wastelands
9. Widower
10. Chronicles
These next tracks offer the same formula as before basically, groove influenced riffage, powerful but seldom breakdowns, blast beats, piano riffing, the works. (Weeping Wastelands is a re-recording from Lord of Woe EP, just as a side note) There's nothing really special about these tracks, though they are all listenable.
Overall, this band has a lot going for them, and are sure to dominate the Deathcore genre if they keep going in the right direction. Excellent use of symphonic elements within the songs, most don't sound out of place, actual riffing that keep the interest instead of the constant use of overused breakdowns. (Though at times the riffing may seem monotonous.) Excellent bass drops placed at the right moment. The vocals are great, good drumming, great guitar work, though I'd like to see the Bass guitar see some of the spotlight. Bass solos maybe? (Did someone say Cannibal Corpse?) It's just an idea. A great album, certainly at least worth a listen.
