Review Summary: Rise To Remain release a full length debut that is sure to create a steady fan base and raise the band amongst the already crowded metalcore genre.
After promoting their
Bridges Will Burn EP through Metal Hammer (magazine),
Rise To Remain were sure to receive some attention. Aided by the fact that they have supported many other acts (including the likes of Sylosis, Trivium, Bullet For My Valentine and Iron Maiden), their debut release will be sure to receive some steady plays. For the most part
City Of Vultures is in the same vein as their EP, however there are some changes that displays their influences over the last couple of years.
City Of Vultures brings along two tracks from their
Bridges Will Burn EP including ‘Nothing Left’ and ‘Bridges Will Burn’ (which have been re-recorded and modified) and add a solid track list that bolsters their debut release. After a short symphonic introduction that features other sound media (helicopter) the album leads into ‘The Serpent’ where a mass of screaming crash into the ears of the listener. This song as well as others uses large amount of hooks that lift the catchiness of the song. This also helps maintain a sing-a-long value for tracks. Comparing the full length to the
Bridges Will Burn EP differences emerge. The full length is slightly less heavy than the previous workings of
Rise To Remain and there is more of a focus on melody and clean vocals. The chugged riffs have been somewhat replaced by harmonised guitar melodies showing what could be considered the “Bullet For My Valentine influence” moving towards a more accessible and polished sound. The track ‘Nothing Left’ which features on both CD’s is the most noticeable example of this.
City Of Vultures presents ‘Nothing Left’ with entirely clean singing. It’s good to see that some metalcore bands can write a quality song without screaming, the only problem listeners may find with Austin’s vocals however is the slightly whiny tone that creeps into his highs.
The song writing on
City Of Vultures follows the same basic formulas of the metalcore genre, (i.e. the screamed verses with the clean sung chorus, through in some guitar wankery and a soft bridge) and incorporate much of the same ideas over again. The guitar solos add some enjoyment for the listener and promote the band’s talent but in some cases the solos feel as though they are just there for the sake of wankery. Title track ‘City Of Vultures’ is noticeably the heaviest song on the record and displays much of the band member’s individual talents. All instruments are well done, and the vocals are well executed. The track displays many changes from triplets to blast beats and even includes a soft melodic finish to add creative contrast to the track.
Overall
City Of Vultures is a solid debut release. Production is clean, crisp and well done all round. Overseen by veteran producer Colin Richardson (Bullet For My Valentine, DevilDriver, Chimaira, As I Lay Dying etc. ) listeners are almost guaranteed a top production effort and the high quality production aids Austin’s cleans and almost removes that whiny note that seeps into them . Given the amount of attention the band has had over the last year
Rise To Remain are sure to receive support from many facets of the metal genre.
City Of Vultures has a high replay value and some intelligent hooks that will be sure to maintain its fans and see the band hit the metalcore heights alongside the bands they support.
Recommended Tracks:
• Nothing Left
• City Of Vultures
• Power Through Fear
