Review Summary: Broadcast the Nightmare's debut album offers a well executed metalcore sounds that will hook any genre enthusiast.
Metalcore is a genre that has become stagnant, with a plentiful array of seemingly faceless bands that all do the exact same thing. Some bands are able to add a bit of innovation to the traditional metalcore sound of harsh vocals, chugging and lots of breakdowns, but those bands are few and far between. Twenty Twelve is an album that shows that stagnant does not always equal bad, and that combined with even slight innovation and good execution, and can sometimes be pretty damn good.
The opening track of this album, Unsung Hero, does little to separate itself from any of the metalcore stereotypes. Breakdowns are found throughout, and there is some chugging as well. The vocals found on this track include a largely monotone middle scream and some sparse chanting. Rhythm wise, there is an abundance of double bass and mediocrity, with no real interesting moments. These elements are all executed up to the standards of the genre, and the riffs provide a change of pace, if not an overall more interesting sound. The second track, Anosognosia, expands and improves on this formula, incorporating a bigger range of vocals and some catchy, technical riffs. There is also a hint of melody here, with some clean - ish vocals and some melodic riffs. The execution in this song is easily noticeable, and is one of Twenty Twelve’s best qualities.
Jumping ahead, the first half of Hades Rising is similar in style to both Anosognosia and Unsung Hero. The same tired formula from the two opening tracks persists as does the good execution. However, a change is foreshadowed as a melodic guitar riff is heard over the darker metalcore sound. Soon the melodic riffing dominates the song, giving way to some good, if not impressive, clean vocals that slowly transform into the harsh screaming found on the rest of the album. As the vocals cut off, the melodic riffing continues, creating a solo that is catchy and enjoyable but no where near technical.
Hades Rising is an apt analogy for Broadcast the Nightmare’s debut album. The beginning is full of the traditional metalcore sound with little to no innovation. As the song, and album, progresses, elements of melody are shown and expanded on, with the full realization coming in the end with good clean vocals and a melodic solo. This album is any diehard metalcore fan’s dream. Everything one could want on a metalcore album is found here. The crushing breakdowns, harsh riffing and accompanying vocals are all executed above the genre standard. For the rest of us, the second half offers a different take on this sound, and offers the same execution with an infusion of melody that greatly heightens the appeal of this album. At the very least, one should pick up Hades Rising, which is truly an excellent song.
