Review Summary: A good debut album for a band with lots of potential.
I did not plan on picking up this album, but then I saw they hit the studio with producer, Joey Sturgis, and I couldn't resist. Was it worth it? I'd like to think so.
Crown The Empire strays from the horrid techno/metalcore style with their debut album The Fallout. The only song that bears any resemblance to that of their EP is the track 'Memories of a broken heart'. Barely any breakdowns too which came out to be a good thing for their new groove metal sound. The musicianship here is excellent. The crisp stylish drumming works very well with the deep tone and speed of their guitars. Most of the song structures are typical. Intro, verse, chorus, and you know the rest. But there is a nice circus kind of theme that can sound very epic throughout.
The lead vocalist (Andy) has commendable vocals but at times (most notably in the intro, "Oh, Catastrophe") he can sound fragile and crackly. And I'm not saying it's bad but I do not like it. Now the screamer (David) in my opinion is absolutely fantastic. He gives the right amount of aggression and anger. In "Makeshift" When he begins talking into straining his vocal cords. it sounds great and his tones sound very good with the overall blend of their guitar and bass. I only wish he would provide a little more variety with his screams.
The typical metalcore sound that they're trying to hold on to keeps them from unlocking their true potential. Although I think we get a taste of what they could be on the best track on the album "Johnny's Revenge". Which is also the last song on the album. It almost sounds like Panic At The Disco if they signed to rise records and wanted to be a metalcore band. It's a very interested track, very good though. And the incorporation of orchestra instruments in it is very well done. And sounds so rich. This can also be heard in songs such as: Menace, The One You Feed and The Fallout. Which are also some of the best songs.
About half the songs stand out and the rest kind of blend together, do to the fact that there is not much separating them from what some of the other bands are doing in the genre. It is indeed an admirable debut album, but I think they can do better. It's a big step in the right direction and I hope they continue in that direction.
Recommended tracks: Menace, The Fallout, Johnny's Revenge and The One You Feed.
