Review Summary: Definitely not a "Just going through the motions" metalcore outfit.
Seeing as this is their first album, it may be best to begin this review under the pretense that the reader is unfamiliar with Ligeia's sound/style. In a sense it is somewhat difficult to explain. It's definitely metalcore, leaning more towards hardcore than metal. The band is somewhat breakdown oriented, having them appearing in most of their songs, but are equally prone to melodic and awkwardly timed passages. The vocals are an interesting combo of frustration ridden yells, desperately felt singing, shrills, and rough grunts. Their song writing structure is far from typical, but at the same time not as randomly put together and bland as most breakdown clad bands. It really one of those things you have to hear to fully grasp the concept of, and right away that is somewhat unusual for a metalcore band.
Ligeia's records, being two of them at the time of this review, stand out to me more than any other band's that even attempt to get the sound they're going for, mostly because of the variety their music possesses. Just when you peg them as being all about one thing you could find out quite the opposite by their next track. This album in a sense I would say is more, "Heavy", and a bit more straightforward compared to it's sophomore. However, Ligeia is one of those bands that always keeps the same elements in their music, even album to album, and just figures out intriguing new ways to incorporate them. Though not as motley as it's followup, there is still quite a bit of variety on this album, and an incredible quality of delivery.
This album covers a fairly wide range of organizations, with songs like "The Blackout", "Dead Man's Bride", and "Heart Attack" being slightly more catered to the melodic side, while on the opposite spectrum, songs such as "I'm Sorry Your Ugly", "Judas Complex", and "Making Love to A Murderer" display the bands heavier side almost to the point of them being in a different category. The rest of the songs fall somewhere in the middle, most noticeably "Beyond a Doubt", being the most typically structured and melodic most of the way through, but chalked with fast tempos and having a savage breakdown at the end. "Household Stereotypes", bears a similar standpoint, but is more unorthadoxly organized. "Always, Forever" is an awkward mix of sporadic heaviness and downtempo melody. "Wishing Wells" and "Swollen Eye View" are on the heavier side, but less noticeably so.
The lyrics are another surprising treat on this album. Like the songs themselves they are varied in style and context. They go from straightforward urban ideals, to emotional releases, and even to somewhat poetic length. The vocal delivery of these lyrics are really a show of what Ligeia is all about. The screams are angry, the singing heartfelt, and all emotions are captured just as you would picture them being under credible circumstances. The sheer vent of frustration in the breakdowns in another big standout for the band. They really bring the intensity and don't leave you feeling like they're just trying to be heavy for the sake of it.
Overall I really enjoy this album. I view it as a definite highlight of this music scene. Some with more traditional musical ideals might view it as somewhat juvenile, but it is definately a step up from most modern hardcore outfits. I highly recommend this album, to any fan of the modern metal/music scene. Enjoy!
