Review Summary: Now I’ve scene it all!
This remastered version of their 2010 album is the perfect introduction to the old Ice Nine Kills. It shows the band before their horror shtick, following in the footsteps of metalcore acts at the time. All the cliches are here: high vocals in the choruses, and plenty of breakdowns. The sound is very scene, and slaps hard. It’s a more average sound from them, though their ear for hooks keeps the sound moving.
Ice Nine Kills is a very overly dramatized band these days, but this album gets straight with it. The vocals cut out any excess, and give us clean melodies without a musical show involved. The melodic standpoint is strong, and brings to mind I Am Abomination’s high vocals and riff craziness. A collision between heavier, and more mainstream music is set in stone here. Many moments seem pulled from Silverstein and similar bands. Yet, those heavy riffs keep coming in when a meaty thunk is needed.
Aside from a few exceptions, the album is quite poppy. So This Is My Future is more along the lines of the heavier moments from Attack Attack!, and brings great variety. However, more often than not, riffs serve as melodic wallpaper to allow singing to take centre stage (ex: Acceptance in the Waves). The riffs are good, though not highlighted as bright as strong choruses. Riffs dance around with static energy, like the always charging double bass.
The point? The album never loses its energy or flavour. Each track serves a unique riff doodle to enchant. If you don’t check this album and you’re a fan of the band you’re missing out.
