Review Summary: "Of Malice is the essence of this group, and that will never change."
Misery Signals is one of the bands that just consistently delivers. You know those bands, the ones you could listen to any day of the week. From the first EP to where we sit now, never failing to impress these guys are truly a gem in their respective genre. Hailing from Wisconsin/Canada, Misery Signals was born in 2002 from the ashes of 7 Angels 7 Plagues and Compromise. the former a highly influential group and what i consider to be the blueprint for the sound of MS. This cd marks their first full length and last with original lead vocalist Jesse Zaraska. Not many albums deserve a perfect rating in my eyes. One might ask then what I consider perfect or classic? Timing, passion, instrumentation, atmosphere, cohesiveness, influence, distinctiveness; these are all words that encapsulate the meaning of a classic album to me. Of Malice and Magnum Heart, an album more perfect than most I know, is certainly a fantastic record. A true landmark in the genre that deserves to be remembered as a classic and listened to by anyone who calls themselves a fan of metal/hardcore.
I hate to pigeon-hole artists these days but i find it difficult to describe to describe this as anything but a metalcore record. I use the term in the truest sense mind you. Exuding everything that defines the genre, from melodic riffs, breakdowns, chugging sections, and clean vocals; this record screams metalcore. Do not be turned off by this as it is executed wonderfully here. There are very few occasions that an artist can meld beauty and brutality to the degree they are displayed on this disc. The whole experience feels very personal much like the lyrics that accompany. Of Malice is the essence of this group, and that will never change.
This beast chugga-chugs it's way out of the gate with "A Victim, A Target" and immediately begs for some two-stepping from the listener. The vocals kick in and Jesse demands your attention. Not the best vocalist around, but one of the most passionate and he fits the music perfectly. A great opener to get the blood flowing. The track ends and "In Response to Stars" blast of immediately and sets the tone for the rest of the record. Time signature shifts, personal lyrics, harmonizing guitars, despairing screams, crushing breakdowns, and gorgeous melodies abound. Breakdowns utilized here are integrated perfectly, only there to add to the intensity of the song. Usually unexpectedly so contributing to their effectiveness. Heavy, chugging sections juxtaposing bright melodies showing through in each individual effort. Lyrics honest and thought provoking screamed with vicious intent. Literal tear jerking instances speaking of lost relationships, friends. Reflecting on life and past experiences. Every member giving their all every step of the way. No one outshining the other. You can really tell they had the creative juices pumping recording this. To have this all translate so well in a live setting as well is almost unheard of.
Misery Signals is an ever evolving act now moving towards more progressive territories. Not to say this record does not have it's share of those moments but it's definitely the most -core of their releases. The heavy/soft contrast is superb and really that is what this band has always excelled at. Every note, scream arranged meticulously to bring the full life out of the composition. Between the lyrical content and the way it's conveyed through the songs this album can be quite cathartic. If this isn't a classic, then I don't know what is. Metal can be beautiful and Of Malice and The Magnum Heart proves it. Recommended for any fan of -core related metal.
