(Hardcore/Punk) Thrice - The Illusion Of Safety

[SubtleDagger]

<img src=http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00005YTRR.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg></img>

Thrice is:
Dustin Kensrue - Vocals, Guitar
Teppei Terranishi - Lead Guitar
Eddie Breckenridge - Bass
Riley Breckenridge - Drums

For a bio, go here (http://www.islandrecords.com/thrice/band.html). The Illusion Of Safety is Thrice's second album (third, if you count their god-awful demo, which I don't), and to this date probably their best. Thrice had a sort of hardcore approach that is really different from most hardcore bands on this release. There are often heavy-hitting guitars and extremely fast rhythms, but the songs aren't really menacing or heavy... they're more epic and melodic. Any Thrice fan knows that Teppei is an amazing guitar player throughout this entire record, and that he and Dustin are the standout players on here. At some points, Teppei plays melodies and riffs that simply blow me away, not to mention Dustin's adequate vocal delivery throughout. The two Breckenridges do a very nice job on rhythm, considering the number of delightfully fast songs and odd rhythms. A song-by-song analysis:

1. Kill Me Quickly - It gets off to a good start... there are some crazy guitar licks and riffs all through this song, and Dustin belts out his lyrics like a madman, which are very good, by the way. Also, the drummer gives a taste of the maddening triplets he plays just about all the time on this record. Well, they at least seem like a staple of the album after a while. There are also some great vocal harmonies on this song. A perfect opener. 5/5

2. A Subtle Dagger - Well, it's pretty obvious I like this song. It's the shortest one on here, it's extremely fast, heavy, and has awesome rhythms. Teppei pulls out frighteningly amazing licks here, especially near the end, and the whole song is really well arranged. This is a tie for my favorite track on here. 5/5

3. See You In The Shallows - I have to admit... I dislike most of Dustin's "singing" songs. I still tend to listen to this one because of Teppei's great guitar work, though. It just seems to get sort of tedious halfway through, when Dustin thinks he can carry on the singing a whole step up without realizing how dull it makes the song. It's still a good one to listen to, though. 4/5

4. Betrayal Is A Symptom - This song has so much going for it. It's an awesome half-scream-half-singing combo for most of the song that picks up where "Subtle Dagger" left off. The ending, however, still feels sort of awkward with its offbeat rhythms and odd parts. Still, it's not much to complain about. 4/5

5. Deadbolt - A Thrice classic.The only bad thing about this track is the giant piano twiddling garbage at the end, but I think most people skip it or ignore it. The rest is fast punk with a hardcore bridge, Some dislike Dustin's spitty-sounding vocals, but I think they're catchy, and they don't make me dislike this track on bit. A great song. 5/5

6. In Years To Come - I hate this song. It's probably the most irritating one on here. It has some cool parts, but overall it's a very flaccid attempt at emo music and feels really annoying. Where are the heavy riffs? Where are the cool vocals? Not here. 2/5

7. The Red Death - Very cool. That guitar riff is so off-kilter and undeniably perfect for the song. And the heavy breakdown from the melodic bridge is awesome. There's a solo here as well, which is very welcome, and the lyrical content is great (ever read Masque Of The Red Death?). Another good one. 5/5

8. A Living Dance Upon Dead Minds - This song is a good song, in theory. They took a nice riff, and they did what they could with it. There are some really good parts, like the chorus and the breakdown, but it gets a little dull. Still a good effort. 4/5

9. Where Idols Once Stood - Another one in my three-way tie for best song. This is just incredible... the drums have this amazingly fast, hard-hitting rhythm, which the guitar tremolo palm-mutes to. And man, that lick in the verse is just insane... I still can't play it. Dustin does a great singing/screaming combo again, and there's an awesome palm-muting section after a solo screaming vocal. Fantastic. 5/5

10. Trust - Another slow song... it's alright. Still, Thrice does much better when they move faster. It feels like this song is really being dragged out the entire time. Once again, some good moments shine through, but not really enough to redeem the song. 3/5

11. To Awake And Avenge The Dead - My other favorite song on the album. A simply amazing guitar riff intro, an awesome verse, an absolutely stunning interlude (which is great heaviness, with the drummer pounding out triplets), and the epic, anthemic ending. Perfect Thrice. 5/5

12. So Strange I Remember You - This is a really fast song, but it still has Dustin singing, which I just really don't like in songs like these. It just sounds... wrong. A good effort by the band, and a pretty good ending, but I tend to skip this one. 3/5

13. The Beltsville Crucible - Proof that outstanding guitar work can't save a song. The opening riff is just insane... I suppose on a good day when my arm is rested I could tremolo palm-mute that fast, but Teppei makes it sound easy. It's decent, overall, but has that same dull element to it halfway through. I still don't skip it. 4/5

It has its ups and downs, but I think its ups are just way up there, while the downs can be dealt with. 4/5.

[guitarded_chuck]

Thrice are alright, but they are neither Hardcore or Punk. Far from it.

[SubtleDagger]

Thrice are alright, but they are neither Hardcore or Punk. Far from it.
The only other genre I've heard them called is "screamo", and I don't use the word "emo"; it's generally misused and a stupid term. I'd have to say on this album that it's a pretty definite blend of hardcore and punk... I don't see any other genres, unless you want to throw in rock for the hell of it.

[The NPC]

More like Hardcore Morrissey Rock, that's what I would call them.

[SubtleDagger]

More like Hardcore Morrissey Rock, that's what I would call them.
Morissey = Emo

I'm on to you, mister.

[The NPC]

Morissey = Emo

I'm on to you, mister.

All music, anything that talks about one's self, is emo in a lyrical sense, it's the musical composition that changes everything around and labels music in stupid ways.

[SubtleDagger]

All music, anything that talks about one's self, is emo in a lyrical sense, it's the musical composition that changes everything around and labels music in stupid ways.
That's why I hate the term "emo". All good music should technically be emotional. And if you think "emo" is someone whining about something, than that's a pathetic reason to make a genre for something.

Anyway, anyone like the review?

[The NPC]

That's why I hate the term "emo". All good music should technically be emotional. And if you think "emo" is someone whining about something, than that's a pathetic reason to make a genre for something.

Anyway, anyone like the review?

Meh it was okay, but I'll say it was good because you're my compadre.

P.S. "Emo" is the music and the way the vocals are presented.

[Luxor]

I can't stand Thrice. They're so bland and generic, I don't see what the big deal about them is. They're just another emocore/screamo band.

[thursdaythrice]

Very Nice Review., i dont consider thrice the emo/screamo type of thing cuz there more talented then those bands.

[BWD]

This is probably my favourite cd from thrice. Thrice has a lot of good riffs..screams..lyrics..the song i probably like the least from thrice is pheonix ignition..and in the years to come would be alot better if it was faster and if there was more screaming.

[BuddyBigsby]

I'd just like to say something.

Emo = Emotional hardcore, not emotional (although most modern emo has strayed FAR from it's roots). Morrisey emo? :lol: :lol: :lol:

Screamo = Not even remotely like what you think it is.

[CommieCanada]

Morissey = Emo
you know whats funny?




























how retarded you are :thumb:

[syrUsbilt]

Thrice? Hardcore? Nahhhh...hah anyway it is a great album. There is some absolutely crazy guitar on some of the songs, and thats what makes it amazing.

[Sep]

I really liked your review. Good job :thumb:
And in my opinion, Thrice are hardcore.

[SubtleDagger]

Thanks.

And KommieKanada, it was a joke, get over it. :thumb:

[rapiscrap<3]

Thrice is alright... they arent so "hardcore" like people have said... but they are good... I dont really like the artist in the ambulance... the illusion of safety is more hardcore...

[FallenXodus]

Awesome review, i did one for this album a while ago but it wasnt very good, i didnt spend much time on it, And this was my favorite of the three albums.

oh i stopped using "labels" for bands a while ago, I just call Thrice, Thrice

get it?

[iliketoplaydrums10111]

nice review, it seems like they have there own sound, the c.d. is pretty good

[TheMangler]

Thrice are alright, but they are neither Hardcore or Punk. Far from it.

You can't put Thrice in a catagory, they have there own sound.



A Subtle Dagger is the best song ever!

[collectersedition]

TheMangler rocks.. dont care about catagory ****... they are pretty fly..

[SubtleDagger]

You can't put Thrice in a catagory, they have there own sound.



A Subtle Dagger is the best song ever!
Wow, I like this noob already. :D

I honestly only call them "hardcore" because they're generally speedy punk, with some moderate yelling/screaming on this album. Emo is a worn genre and I don't like using it very much, especially with Thrice. Glad to see this review is garnering attention, though.

And Subtle Dagger is the best song ever! (By Thrice anyway.) :thumb:

[DFelon204409]

6. In Years To Come - I hate this song. It's probably the most irritating one on here. It has some cool parts, but overall it's a very flaccid attempt at emo music and feels really annoying. Where are the heavy riffs? Where are the cool vocals? Not here. 2/5

The only other genre I've heard them called is "screamo", and I don't use the word "emo"; it's generally misused and a stupid term. I'd have to say on this album that it's a pretty definite blend of hardcore and punk... I don't see any other genres, unless you want to throw in rock for the hell of it.

It's unfortunate that you misuse it in your crit and also use it when claiming not too. I don't care though because you're pretty educated. I'm more concerned about dispelling misunderstandings of here. To hear some real emo or emocore go here (http://www.hxcmp3.com/bands/1710/) and listen to the song "Crowquill." Then read everyhting at www.fourfa.com

[xdeadtomorrowx]

Wow, I like this noob already. :D

I honestly only call them "hardcore" because they're generally speedy punk, with some moderate yelling/screaming on this album. Emo is a worn genre and I don't like using it very much, especially with Thrice. Glad to see this review is garnering attention, though.

And Subtle Dagger is the best song ever! (By Thrice anyway.) :thumb:


Please. Have you ever heard REAL screaming? They are yelling. Which is like just raising the tone of your voice a bit. Not screaming.

They aren't hardcore, maybe in Illusion of Safety they were more post-hardcore cause they didn't scream. But now they are like rock/indie/small hints of hardcore.

Deal with it. They are still my favorite band though

[SubtleDagger]

It's unfortunate that you misuse it in your crit and also use it when claiming not too. I don't care though because you're pretty educated. I'm more concerned about dispelling misunderstandings of here. To hear some real emo or emocore go here (http://www.hxcmp3.com/bands/1710/) and listen to the song "Crowquill." Then read everyhting at www.fourfa.com
I know what it means.... I've been through the entire history of what "emo" is. My big problem is that it's misused, so I try not to use it. I think in reviewing that song it needed to be used, because it really is a very bland attempt at emo.

Oh, and let's get off the hardcore argument. In my view, the whole album is too fast to be rock, and too heavy to be punk, which usually reminds me of hardcore music. If you want to suggest another genre, go ahead, but I really don't feel like most of the songs Thrice do are emo in any sense.

[DFelon204409]

Please. Have you ever heard REAL screaming? They are yelling. Which is like just raising the tone of your voice a bit. Not screaming.

They aren't hardcore, maybe in Illusion of Safety they were more post-hardcore cause they didn't scream. But now they are like rock/indie/small hints of hardcore.

Deal with it. They are still my favorite band though

A Subtle Dagger has heard real screaming. I know this because we have conversed about Dillinger Escape Plan and Killswitch Engage. Thrice sometimes yells, most notably in the beginning of "The Abolition of Man" but then there is some balls-out screaming like on "Paper Tigers." Maybe you should brush up on your music, eh? On top of that there are tons of crappy hardcore bands that scream way too much and too hard. I saw Beloved play and their drummer screams with some fury but it sounds crappy. Download the song "In the Nervous Light of Sunday" by Circle Takes the Square to hear some intense screaming. Right after the part where he screams/sings "postmarked four years before my escape." He scrams so hard his voice cracks like an adolescent boy. Nobody can top that I guarentee it. Try to produce something stronger. Actually just shut up. Thrice is a mix of hardcore, post-hardcore, punk, emo, metal, and pop. I guess theyre just a dualpoppunkmetalscreamocore band. How about that label you twat.

[SubtleDagger]

Exactly, DFelon, that's pretty much what I was about to say.

Also, bands like Shia Hulud do nothing but "yelling" if you want to be technical, and to not call Shai Hulud hardcore would be nonsense.

[The NPC]

Exactly, DFelon, that's pretty much what I was about to say.

Also, bands like Shia Hulud do nothing but "yelling" if you want to be technical, and to not call Shai Hulud hardcore would be nonsense.

I don't know pal, I'm not sure about that one. I think it would be more avantgarde then anything else. Yelling doesn't equal hardcore all the time.

[DFelon204409]

I don't know pal, I'm not sure about that one. I think it would be more avantgarde then anything else. Yelling doesn't equal hardcore all the time.

Maybe if you had read more than one post you would have realized that "Yelling doesn't equal hardcore all the time" is what A Subtle Dagger was saying. Screaming and yelling are not necessary components of hardcore. Shai Hulud and Thrice are not avant garde though. Sorry to burst your bubble.

[SubtleDagger]

In my view, the whole album is too fast to be rock, and too heavy to be punk, which usually reminds me of hardcore music.
That's what it means to me. Yelling/screaming/whatever isn't even necessary... hardcore has been around for quite a while without those types of vocals.

Thrice fuses a lot of genres, and that's one of the reasons I appreciate them so much.

[The NPC]

Maybe if you had read more than one post you would have realized that "Yelling doesn't equal hardcore all the time" is what A Subtle Dagger was saying. Screaming and yelling are not necessary components of hardcore. Shai Hulud and Thrice are not avant garde though. Sorry to burst your bubble.

Errr Duur...I've been in this tread longer than you have buddy boy and I know his argument. I just stated that yelling can be considered avant garde music if it's put together correctly.

[DFelon204409]

If you actually knew how to construct a proper sentence I wouldn't be so hard on you. That's not actually what you said anyway. And no, you have not been in this "thread" longer than I have been.

[ThriceAnDice]

good review, one of my fave bands good lyrics 2 of fave songs ever are on that CD all around good CD good job with reveiw :thumb:

[SubtleDagger]

You two need to stop fighting since I love you both and you're just being silly anyway.

How 'bout that Thrice band? :thumb:

[DFelon204409]

Ooo look at the pretty!

[evilfrosty2001]

10/10 one of the most amazing cds ever in my opinion. i kinda liked TAITA, it wasnt anything THAT special tho.. which led me to buy the illusion of safety, which totally blew me away. i agreed with the review, exept i love the song so strange i remember you. its so intricate "kneeling deep in nietzes (sp?) lies" nietze was a man who said that religions focus on the afterlife blinded people from focusing on the present, thus the superior people, the ubermensch would be people grounded on reality. i dunnno this for a fact, but thrice strikes me as religious with all their references to faith, miracles, hope... so im sure thrice strongly dissagrees with this **** nazi, Hitler used alot of his stuff for source material. and i love all the lines in it. everytime he says so strange i remember you, it something to do with religion (in protest of a prayer). its sort of a song to say how we have become, banning prayer in public, focusing on the physical more than anything else, confusing love and lust, replacing dreams with television, killing the enviornment. my fav lines are

Ten thousand Jaded tourists
Who've traded in their
Hearts and hands
For disposable cameras
Set to document to decay
Set to capture just enough of life
To catalogue the things we throw away...

and the interlude

Breathing in fumes from our machines
we've lost our way
living in our television dreams
we've lost our way
If we could only see ourselves now...

powerful, powerful song in my opinion, nice clean intro too. fav songs off cd are deadbolt and to awake and avenge the dead.. i can play em both on guitar haha. theyre awesome.

AMAZING cd.

[SubtleDagger]

My problem with "So Strange I Remember You" is most definitely not the lyrics. The song is just boring. The drummer doesn't do anything I can appreciate, it feels too light and bouncy, I just dislike it. It reminds me of "Ultra Blue" from Identity Crisis.

And it's Nietschze, I think (I can't spell it quite right). He was a philosopher. He was a bit deluded, but he hit most of his points about religion pretty dead on.

[xdeadtomorrowx]

A Subtle Dagger has heard real screaming. I know this because we have conversed about Dillinger Escape Plan and Killswitch Engage. Thrice sometimes yells, most notably in the beginning of "The Abolition of Man" but then there is some balls-out screaming like on "Paper Tigers." Maybe you should brush up on your music, eh? On top of that there are tons of crappy hardcore bands that scream way too much and too hard. I saw Beloved play and their drummer screams with some fury but it sounds crappy. Download the song "In the Nervous Light of Sunday" by Circle Takes the Square to hear some intense screaming. Right after the part where he screams/sings "postmarked four years before my escape." He scrams so hard his voice cracks like an adolescent boy. Nobody can top that I guarentee it. Try to produce something stronger. Actually just shut up. Thrice is a mix of hardcore, post-hardcore, punk, emo, metal, and pop. I guess theyre just a dualpoppunkmetalscreamocore band. How about that label you twat.

Please, don't test me on my music. Thrice has never done a hardcore scream in any of their songs. They don't scream too much or too hard. You just aren't used to it. CTTS sucks, I rather not download any of their crap.

Thrice is in no way screamo at all. Nor are they emo. They are one genre. Post-Hardcore. Much easier and faster to classify because they've got those qualties. Don't try to tell me about music you moron.

[DFelon204409]

Please, don't test me on my music. Thrice has never done a hardcore scream in any of their songs. They don't scream too much or too hard. You just aren't used to it. CTTS sucks, I rather not download any of their crap.

Thrice is in no way screamo at all. Nor are they emo. They are one genre. Post-Hardcore. Much easier and faster to classify because they've got those qualties. Don't try to tell me about music you moron.

Just because they haven't done the exat "hardcore scream" you're looking for and constraining them too doesn't mean that they aren't part hardcore. You are right, Thrice doesn't scream much or too hard. They use melodic singing. You're also right about Thrice not being screamo or emo. They are not. They are not exactly post-hardcore though. Post-hardcore is music that takes the skeleton of modern hardcore music and fleshes it out using many other genres, influences. Sure Thrice does this as they dabble in many genres but in the end, melodic hardcore is a much more appropriate name because if you imagine punk to metal a gamut of musical styles, hardcore is what bridges it, especially modern hardcore and Thrice fits somewhere in the middle. They may be off to the side of the middle in terms of fitting a strict definition of hardcore but they certainly fit that genre more than any other. And then there's melody in their music. Post-hardcore doesn't need melody and most of the best post-hardcore bands (in my opinion) like Trophy Scars don't have much melody in their singing. Therefore Thrice's melody makes them an anomaly in both categories. How about melodic hardcore, or, if it really means that much to you, melodic post-hardcore. In general though, go **** off.

[DFelon204409]

Also, our inability to classify Thrice perfectly is a testament to their ingenuity and originality. Other bands that fit into this category seem to be Strung Out, Circle Takes the Square (even if you hate them), Trophy Scars, Dredg, Soli i Sombra, and The Mars Volta. These are bands so strikingly unique that they transcend genres. I just thought I'd add this side note.

[SubtleDagger]

Exactly.

And Dustin's screaming on "Paper Tigers" is most definitely hardcore screaming. I can hear his throat gargling out the notes, it's awesome. It's also quite far from "yelling", as well.

Besides, "post-hardcore" is just redifining the genre.... I think Thrice does this, but it's not much of a redefining. I've heard them called "Pop-punk/Post-hardcore" (and that was only for this album), so that might be a bit accurate. Either way, this album is diverse enough to prove a point about Thrice: they're taking music in a new direction, and it sounds great.

[xdeadtomorrowx]

Exactly.

And Dustin's screaming on "Paper Tigers" is most definitely hardcore screaming. I can hear his throat gargling out the notes, it's awesome. It's also quite far from "yelling", as well.

Besides, "post-hardcore" is just redifining the genre.... I think Thrice does this, but it's not much of a redefining. I've heard them called "Pop-punk/Post-hardcore" (and that was only for this album), so that might be a bit accurate. Either way, this album is diverse enough to prove a point about Thrice: they're taking music in a new direction, and it sounds great.

Shut up, listen to hardcore screaming then listen to his ***** screaming. You can totally tell the difference, please stop. You are becoming stupider by the minute.

[SubtleDagger]

Have you even heard the song?

I listen to plenty of hardcore music, if you really want to debate this, as well as metal, grindcore, and many other genres. You're not really making a case for yourself or your useless argument, and you've pretty much degenerated into petty insults. You could at least be intelligent if you're going to argue in this thread.

[xdeadtomorrowx]

Have you even heard the song?

I listen to plenty of hardcore music, if you really want to debate this, as well as metal, grindcore, and many other genres. You're not really making a case for yourself or your useless argument, and you've pretty much degenerated into petty insults. You could at least be intelligent if you're going to argue in this thread.

I have all of Thrice's albums. Really? Do I have to put myself up to your standards to argue? I can say and insult you all I want.

They don't have hardcore vocals. Period. They yell. Hardcore vocals are heavier, I mean jesus christ even SOTY does a better scream then them but SOTY sucks even worse so yeah.

[SubtleDagger]

You missed the point we gave last time about how hardcore music doesn't even need screaming to be hardcore.

And I didn't say antyhing about my standards; if you're going to sit here and insult me to try to get your point across, I'm not going to deal with it.

Hardcore Punk was the most rigid and extreme variation of punk rock. Emerging in the early '80s, hardcore took the ideals of punk as far as it could go. The music was impossibly fast, the vocals were shouted, [and] the riffs were simple...
Haven't listened to much hardcore music, have you?

[xdeadtomorrowx]

You missed the point we gave last time about how hardcore music doesn't even need screaming to be hardcore.

And I didn't say antyhing about my standards; if you're going to sit here and insult me to try to get your point across, I'm not going to deal with it.

Yes it does. It needs screaming to be hardcore, with the guitars and everything else. If it isn't then it's something else. Because show me a band that doesn't scream and they are considered hardcore. Don't use an old school band cause they are way different, I'm talking about new hardcore.

[SubtleDagger]

Actually, they're not way different. The same rules apply.

I think you're stuck in other "core" music that is completely seperate. Most real "screaming" is too heavy to maintain a hardcore punk feel.

Fugazi is one of the best hardcore bands that are still around (though they incorporate many other genres), if you need a specific band to look at.

[DFelon204409]

Hot Cross is a hardcore band that maintains a shout/sing the whole time and is undoubtably hardcore. I don't they scream once on their CD Cryogenics.

[Reflection]

Please. Have you ever heard REAL screaming? They are yelling. Which is like just raising the tone of your voice a bit. Not screaming.

They aren't hardcore, maybe in Illusion of Safety they were more post-hardcore cause they didn't scream. But now they are like rock/indie/small hints of hardcore.

Deal with it. They are still my favorite band though

Of course they scream. I'm sure you heard Paper Tigers or the Abolition of Man? These scream and yell in tons of their songs.

[Reflection]

And don't tell me I don't know what screaming is, I probably listen to heavier music than you.

Edit - Actually, I've decided that he's inbetween a scream and yell since you can usually hear what he's actually saying. It's not gurgled like hardcore or death metal.

[BuddyBigsby]

Deadtomorrow, stop talking, because your ignorant is showing. Screaming comes from metal. TRUE hardcore doesn't need to have screaming, and if it does, it's the modern stuff and it's in small dosages. Listen to Bane, Comeback Kid, Slapshot, Blood for Blood, etc.

[DFelon204409]

You know - I just hate Bane.

[BuddyBigsby]

You know - I just hate Bane.

Blasphemy!!!


A lot of people do though. What's it for you, the vocals?

[Reflection]

Yeah I know there already is one but I wanted to make my own.

Thrice:
Dustin Kensrue: Vocals, Rhthym Guitar
Teppei Teranishi: Backup Vocals, Lead Guitar
Eddie Breckenridge: Backup Vocals, Bass
Riley Breckenridge: Percussion

Alright, so this is Thrice's second full length album. Their first had mostly elements of punk, pop-punk, and a hint of metal in a few songs. Thrice progressed greatly in their songs. Even the quality of the recordings improved. The Illusion of Safety is packed with metal riffs and speed, screaming, and melodic singing.

1. Kill Me Quickly:
A great opener which starts out with a single guitar fade in with an unexpected morph into vocals, guitar, drums, and bass kicking in all at once. KMQ starts out with rapid-fire riffing and yelling into a breakdown of a tapping harmony of bass and guitars. The song ends with melodic singing. Overall, great song.
4/5

2. A Subtle Dagger:
Definitely a highlight in the album. Too bad they don't play it much live. Although this song has it all, triplet riffs, double bass pounding, screaming verses, melodic choruses, awesome lyrics, and interlude solos, Thrice manages to fill it in all in a mere 1:48 minutes. The highlight is definitely the breakdown of the egyptian-sounding solo which builds up into a screaming ending. A mini-mini-epic.
5/5

3. See You In The Shallows:
Definitely one of the more melodic songs on the record, this song is pretty decent. Consisting of only melodic singing but still with sweet riffing, this song manages to come out a decent song but that's about it. There is also some good lead guitar work but does not make it necessarily the best song on the album.
3.5/5

4. Betrayal Is A Symptom:
This song starts with just bass and drums. You don't where it'll go. Then the vocals come in and you do know where it'll go! Basically the same structure as A Subtle Dagger, it is a decent song. Possibly lacking in originality, it mainly shows everything Thrice is capable of. Probably why they chose it as a single.
3.5/5

5. Deadbolt:
Definitely a highlight of the album, if you could ever sum up Thrice in single song (which you can't for sure) this might just be the Thrice definitive song. Starting with a fast paced beat and quick riffing, vocalist Dustin Kensrue belts out the vocals somwhere in between a yell, a scream, and singing. Ending the song with slow guitar tapping and screaming, it wraps up one of the best Thrice songs.
5/5

6. In Years To Come:
A song obviously very different from the rest of the album, In Years To Come gets different views from Thrice fans. It consists of guitar harmonies and melodic singing. At first I hated this song greatly but it grew on me. Most Thrice fans probably wouldn't like it since it's missing the punk and hardcore influences Thrice implements into their sound. But this song should be here for the sake of variety.
3.5/5

7. The Red Death:
Here's the speedy metal song that makes up for "In Years To Come". Complete with screaming, a 30 second solo, and fast paced instrumental, The Red Death does just what was intended; just be a **** good Thrice song.
4/5

8. A Living Dance Upon Dead Minds:
Probably one of the most ignored Thrice songs, A Living Dance Upon Dead Minds doesn't do much for me. It just comes out kind of bland to me and I usually skip it.
3.5/5

9. Where Idols Once Stood:
From here on out, the album is almost flawless. Where Idols Once Stood has speedy drumming, a variety of singing types and guitar riffs. It has countless guitar riffs that just come in at one point in the song and never to be heard again. Something that Thrice does quite well.
4/5

10. Trust:
Trust is probably the closest thing to a ballad on the album. It starts off with a quiet instrumental into a ear-bleeding chorus of screaming which goes back down to the soft love-song type verses. It then evolves into the best part of the song; the ending.
4.5/5

11. To Awake Avenge the Dead:
I love this song. It's one of the riffs-that-come-out-of-nowhere-and-never-to-be-heard-again type songs. Starting out with single guitar riffing it out to a guitar harmony to a screaming verse. This song is the same structure as "Under A Killing Moon" and "The Abolition of Man" on "The Artist In the Amblunce" Not much to be said here, TAAATD is a highlight on Illusion of Safety.
5/5

12. So Strange I Remember You:
This song is pretty cool. Nothing special but pretty cool. It has some nice singing and really cool lyrics. Definitely one of the best parts is the outro with Teppei's signature lead guitar lick that weaves through Dustin's vocals.

13. The Beltsville Crucible:
Wow. This song starts off with probably the fastest piece of guitar work written by Thrice. It's played at blazing speed. Teppei Teranishi is no Yngwie Malmsteen but it's impressive. This song is also one of the best on the album, opening with the famous quote "True friends stab you in the front..." Ending the album with moderately paced double bass and yelling, it's a perfect finale.
5/5


Edit:

I give this album 8.5/10. I was kind of biased so I didn't point out many bad parts.

Also please don't go telling me Thrice aren't punk, hardcore, or metal. There's a reason why I put all those there. They fuse all these genres together along with other ones. Thrice is pretty hard to categorize.

[SubtleDagger]

He completely missed the definition for hardcore I gave. I think the primary thing about hardcore vocals would be "yelling", considering that was a Black Flag staple, and they popularized hardcore punk.

[DFelon204409]

Blasphemy!!!


A lot of people do though. What's it for you, the vocals?

It's far too bland for me, the vocals are pretty annoying. Don't give me any acquired taste business because I have acquired An Albatross' singer (if it could be called a singer). Bane just isn't my cup of tea. Also they spent all of their ad lib time between songs preaching about how cool Bane fans are because they know "real" hardcore and how they stay true to the scene and that everybody who listens to any other genre are a bunch of posers. Just pompous, ignorant crap if you ask me.

[DFelon204409]

And don't tell me I don't know what screaming is, I probably listen to heavier music than you.

Edit - Actually, I've decided that he's inbetween a scream and yell since you can usually hear what he's actually saying. It's not gurgled like hardcore or death metal.

I just saw Every Time I Die tonight and was reminded about how often they don't scream. There's some screaming but a lot of the things he says are coherent. There is singing too. On top of that they're plain hardcore. Please tell me what bands you like. Your points will be dismissed even more if you don't justify where you're coming from...I just realized you're not xdeadtomorrowx. Whatever. Still. Justify yourself!

[BuddyBigsby]

It's far too bland for me, the vocals are pretty annoying. Don't give me any acquired taste business because I have acquired An Albatross' singer (if it could be called a singer). Bane just isn't my cup of tea. Also they spent all of their ad lib time between songs preaching about how cool Bane fans are because they know "real" hardcore and how they stay true to the scene and that everybody who listens to any other genre are a bunch of posers. Just pompous, ignorant crap if you ask me.

No worries, I wasn't going to give you crap. I'm not a big fan and I can see how one could not like them.

[hybridofsound]

Poo's this is already reviewed. Oh well i'll put a review in here anyway. I picked this up today. Had two listens. Pretty good but I think it needs to grow on me a bit. The Beltsville Crucible is the most standout song I've heard by them.

[DFelon204409]

Two listens sn no where nearly enough to absorb this CD at all.

[guitarfreakguy101]

thrice is awesome, the first time i heard deadbolt i was hooked back in like 8th grade or so, they where awesome... their shows are a tad crazyand their music is pretty good, and to top it all off they started where i live yay :) my friends sister knew and sometimes hung out with teppei at irvine highschool.

[SubtleDagger]

People love to bump my old reviews. That is a :thumb:.

[DFelon204409]

Nobody really likes my reviews. :( That's probably because I've only done Horse the Band and Trophy Scars though.

[40 oz 2 freedom]

This is my favorite Thrice cd.

[young, loud and andrew]

this is my favorite cd of all time.

[jversluis88]

Not bad. Nice to listen to. I'm not a huge fan of the band though.

[WakingUpSoRelieved]

Yeah, this is such a great CD, but I can't say it's better than TAITA. Nor can I say TAITA is better than this album, they're **** near equal in my eyes. Both are simply amazing, and very well laid out.
Oh, and for anyone who wants 'screaming' as opposed to 'yelling', you go here: www.36crazyfists.com. Plenty of their lyrics are 'normal', or as near to 'normal' as you can get with these guys, but plenty of their lyrics are hard as hell.
Both great bands.

[Griffin_Page]

Haven't listened to much hardcore music, have you?

Well, that is hardcore, what he described. There are variations, but that is the definition of hardcore.

[Chadders]

Hmmmm, the review score was correct but the style of the review and the approach were pretty terrible, it basically consisted of "Oh, I like this one it has fast complicated guitar, Oh I don't like this one it has a slow part." Pretty dumb really, when you consider that The Beltsville Crucible is a fantastic song that contains one of Dustin's most passionate vocals to date ("You Got To, You Got To, Play It Again") and has a superb lyric, and you said the only thing that almost saves it is a bit of fast "tremolo palm muting," laughable really. How good a piece of music is had absolutely nothing to do with the technical ins and outs of the guitar playing or any other intrsument for that matter, its about whats behind it and weather or not that is genuine and true, which is why people have made classic songs with three chords and an acoustic guitar. Your approach to musical appreciation is, to be fair, very immature

[DFelon204409]

Yeah, this is such a great CD, but I can't say it's better than TAITA. Nor can I say TAITA is better than this album, they're **** near equal in my eyes. Both are simply amazing, and very well laid out.
Oh, and for anyone who wants 'screaming' as opposed to 'yelling', you go here: www.36crazyfists.com. Plenty of their lyrics are 'normal', or as near to 'normal' as you can get with these guys, but plenty of their lyrics are hard as hell.
Both great bands.

36Crazyfists has one of the most bland, generic screams I have ever heard in my life.

[Teppei Is King]

You are an idiot...WTF is tremolo palm-muting? Hmmm... there is no such thing, that would involve palm muting a lick, as you depress or pull on a whammy bar, or tremolo piece. And In Years to Come is a great song, and "Proof that great guitar work cant save a song"? Dude, your review sucks balls...there isnt a bad song on the cd. I honor your opinion, but you are an idiot.

[DFelon204409]

You are an idiot...WTF is tremolo palm-muting? Hmmm... there is no such thing, that would involve palm muting a lick, as you depress or pull on a whammy bar, or tremolo piece. And In Years to Come is a great song, and "Proof that great guitar work cant save a song"? Dude, your review sucks balls...there isnt a bad song on the cd. I honor your opinion, but you are an idiot.

Actually the last time I checked, the May n00b with 9 posts, bad grammar, and no sense of when to shut up was not the height of intelligence on the forums nor did (s)he have the right to trash decent reviews and reviewers.

[Purr]

thrice is great, good review, IOS is my fav album by thrice, their new one is pretty close to being my favorite too. You said you didnt like In years to come, that song isnt that bad, i like it. but we all have different views. anyway Um..bye

[cbmartinez]

When it comes to picking a favorite CD, I usually go with the CD with the songs that have more melody. Now, IMO, I think that in TAITA, Thrice showed there more melodic side. IOS was more straight edge, hardcore in your face music. So I debated which CD I liked more for a while and finally chose IOS. Like I said, though I usually like more melodic songs, but IOS's hardhitting songs like Kill Me Quickly, A Subtle Dagger and Betrayal Is A Symptom just won me over. All the songs on the CD are good, very well crafted and played well. IOS is truly one of the best CDs in my collection. Well, there my rambling for the day.

[DFelon204409]

It's funny you'd say that because TAITA is way more metal than IOS. There are songs with only screaming like "Paper Tigers" and half of "Silhouette." Maybe it's the production and the really melodic and catchy single-type songs that have swayed you to this weird opinion of melodicism.

[cbmartinez]

Yeah, I guess it was more metal. I really liked the songs Paper Tigers, Abolition of A Man and Silhoutette, my faves off the album. It just seemed like...It's hard to explain. Songs like The Artist and the Ambulance, All That's Left and The Melting Point of Wax I think tried more on melody. You don't really find that much melody on IOS cept for on Truth, and the last couple of songs.

[incubliss]

anyone see the slight resemblence of Where Idols Once Stood intro to Metallica - One just before the solo?

a great album, and some good reviews. who gives two flying ****s what genre it's in, just listen to the music you idiots.

[BuddyBigsby]

Is musis anything like music?

[axeslinga_32]

tis a great album, poppier than TAITA but in no way worse an album. Not a bad song in the bunch

[incubliss]

Is musis anything like music?

edited, just for your pompous ***.

[BuddyBigsby]

Hahaha, thank you.

[Teppei Is King]

Sorry for trashing your review dude, I got pissed off and didn't read the newer one. :( :rolleyes: Defelon...last time I checked..nobody asked you...and a "noob" doesn't have anything to do with a person's opinion nor the number of their posts.

("It's") ("was not") ("to") Some examples of bad grammar :eek: from your posts?!

[DFelon204409]

Sorry for trashing your review dude, I got pissed off and didn't read the newer one. :( :rolleyes: Defelon...last time I checked..nobody asked you...and a "noob" doesn't have anything to do with a person's opinion nor the number of their posts.

("It's") ("was not") ("to") Some examples of bad grammar :eek: from your posts?!

You're bluffing the grammar thing. I'm not saying I don't make mistakes because I know I never proofread my posts but dude, none of those are errors in recent posts. Are you digging back to my n00b days or something?

[Teppei Is King]

You're bluffing the grammar thing. I'm not saying I don't make mistakes because I know I never proofread my posts but dude, none of those are errors in recent posts. Are you digging back to my n00b days or something?

Ok dude, I wasn't trying to piss you off in the first place or anything. I was just defending one of my favorites and got pissed off before reading the whole thing. I trashed his review and said I was sorry, so can we drop the whole thing?
The grammar thing came from other posts in this thread...so I wasn't bluffing it. I also don't proofread my posts so was the grammar thing really a necessary comment in the first place? ;)

Overall I'd say the revised review is good, my bad again for trashing you. "In Years To Come" is still a great song though. :lol: :smash:

[DFelon204409]

Ok dude, I wasn't trying to piss you off in the first place or anything. I was just defending one of my favorites and got pissed off before reading the whole thing. I trashed his review and said I was sorry, so can we drop the whole thing?
The grammar thing came from other posts in this thread...so I wasn't bluffing it. I also don't proofread my posts so was the grammar thing really a necessary comment in the first place? ;)

Overall I'd say the revised review is good, my bad again for trashing you. "In Years To Come" is still a great song though. :lol: :smash:

The weird thing is, where I found those words, there weren't grammatical errors.

[Teppei Is King]

The weird thing is, where I found those words, there weren't grammatical errors.

Wow I feel like a dork....It's is the possive form of the noun it, And a contraction for it is. If I remember correctly from the previous posts, "to" should have been "too" and the the contraction of "was not" wasn't spelled correctly. (yes that was a cheesey pun as well)

[evillcheeseburger]

this album is simply amazing. i like Thrice a lot, pretty much theyre the only band thats even slightly emo that i listen to. but once i pop this album in i can listen to almost every track. well except number six, the reviewer is right about that one. i give this album a 4.5/5.

[young, loud and andrew]

tis a great album, poppier than TAITA but in no way worse an album. Not a bad song in the bunch

poppier than TAITA? are you crazy?! :confused:

You don't really find that much melody on IOS cept for on Truth

Trust.

[DFelon204409]

Wow I feel like a dork....It's is the possive form of the noun it, And a contraction for it is. If I remember correctly from the previous posts, "to" should have been "too" and the the contraction of "was not" wasn't spelled correctly. (yes that was a cheesey pun as well)

Except those weren't errors. I used the right version of its. Its= possessive (not possive) while it's = contraction of it is. Maybe my to-too error existed but that's sheerly because I don't care. Leave me alone you n00by dumbass.

[bloodclotsandblackholes]

good review. i might have to disagree with you on a few songs, just because i think the whole album deserves a 4.9. its super good, one of the best cds i own. this is thrice at their best (or so i think). the artist in the ambulance... well it wasnt what i was expecting of them, but its still thrice and that counts for something. identity crisis isnt that bad either, but its their first cd after that demo they put out... ya anyways i just wanna say, if you dont already own the illusion of safety, go out and buy it... theres a really good chance you wont regret it.

[young, loud and andrew]

am i the only one that likes first impressions?? there's some good stuff on that cd.

by the way... thrice fans, check out: waterispoison.com, the new thrice fan site put together by some kids on thrice boards.

[DFelon204409]

I really like First Impressions. I'd sooner listen to something that was recorded after '00 but it's still good.

[Reflection]

I don't really like First Impressions too much. The band hadn't matured in their sound especially with Dustin's vocals. Although I thought the acoustic/flamenco version of Opaque was really cool.

Illusion of Safety is their best album in my opinion.

[Tharwolf]

This is on eof my top ten favorite albums of all time, the band just frickin soars and evolves. just listen to their first album, identity crisis, and you'll hear songs like "in your hands" which is good with decent guitar and vocals but repetive snare beats and a very pop punk feel. but the illusion of safety is where the band really kicks ***. the first track is frickin awesome, and so are most of the tracks. some songs i'm not a big fan of like "trust" and "the beltsville crucible" but the guitar in the songs is just so amazing that some of these songs end up on mixes. the artist in the ambulance is an amazing album but i like this one better because some tracks on AITA feel overproduced. this is just sheer musicianship and cool lyrics. i like how "a living dance upon dead minds" is actually a poem that dustin read and turned it into an awesome song.

Fav Tracks: Deadbolt, In Years To Come, To Awake and Avenge The Dead, a screw it the whole album is amazing

[Nofx_Whoer]

why does everything have to go into a genre, why cant we just accept music for what it is? Thrice are different and all music that is written to convey feelings is emotional so emo is not a genre. if emo were a genre then bryan adams and stuff like that would be in the genre as it is emotionally charged music.

Anyways thrice are awesome, i seen em live in aus and they just blew me away. Who says that In the years to come isnt a good song its my fav from that album it conveys feelings for someone in a very mad way i love it.

[Guitarman1234]

great album and good review aswell well done mate

[cbmartinez]

poppier than TAITA? are you crazy?! :confused:



Trust.


Wow I feel like an idiot. Haha, thanks for the correction.

[young, loud and andrew]

no worries buddy.

[BetrailsAsymPtom]

Thrice Kiks ***!

[DFelon204409]

Thrice Kiks ***!

What an amazing post to bump this thread.

[hybridofsound]

Am I the only one who thinks The Beltsville Crucible is the best song on the album?

[SubtleDagger]

Am I the only one who thinks The Beltsville Crucible is the best song on the album?
It isn't. The intro's cool, but that's about it, and I can play it pretty easily. The rest is the boring, flaccid Thrice that I dislike.

"To Awake And Avenge The Dead" is probably the best song.

[40 oz 2 freedom]

"The Beltsville Crucible" is my favorite Thrice song.

[DFelon204409]

My favorite is "So Strange I Remember You." Subtle and I have our difference on this one.

[SubtleDagger]

My favorite is "So Strange I Remember You." Subtle and I have our difference on this one.
Ironically, I did the review, and then I went on AMG sometime after. The reviewer thought the exact same thing I did about "So Strange I Remember You". Kind of weird.

I suppose it's alright if you like crappy attempts at emo music. :p

[thewaterispoison]

Ironically, I did the review, and then I went on AMG sometime after. The reviewer thought the exact same thing I did about "So Strange I Remember You". Kind of weird.

I suppose it's alright if you like crappy attempts at emo music. :p

? Dood, what defines "good" emo music to you? You're ragging on a great band that you obviously like...? And when they throw out a song that you don't think is up to par with the genre... you just call it a crappy attempt? Man, it all comes to down to preference in the end, but you've gotta just look deeper in the lyrics sometimes, just because they decided to write about something else doesn't mean that its crap, if anything you should give them credit for taking a different, deeper, and overall more unique approach to the style... at any rate, i'd like to hear your reasoning why "so strange I remember you" is so bad...(as far as its "emo" side goes...)

I never really understood the term anyway, "emotional" music obviously is supposed to express the artists emotions... that doesn't just mean whining about heartbreak or how they love someone...sure thats part of it, but our emotions are so much more, and i don't know why some many people seem to automatically link emo to a bunch of wussies singing about their girlfriends...emo can mean so much more, and it does...

[SubtleDagger]

? Dood, what defines "good" emo music to you? You're ragging on a great band that you obviously like...? And when they throw out a song that you don't think is up to par with the genre... you just call it a crappy attempt? Man, it all comes to down to preference in the end, but you've gotta just look deeper in the lyrics sometimes, just because they decided to write about something else doesn't mean that its crap, if anything you should give them credit for taking a different, deeper, and overall more unique approach to the style... at any rate, i'd like to hear your reasoning why "so strange I remember you" is so bad...(as far as its "emo" side goes...)

I never really understood the term anyway, "emotional" music obviously is supposed to express the artists emotions... that doesn't just mean whining about heartbreak or how they love someone...sure thats part of it, but our emotions are so much more, and i don't know why some many people seem to automatically link emo to a bunch of wussies singing about their girlfriends...emo can mean so much more, and it does...
Good emo music is moving and (hopefully) lyrically significant. That song is neither, and just because I like Thrice doesn't mean I automatically enjoy every song they do.

I don't link emo to any of that stuff you mentioned. "So Strange I Remember You" is just a crappy attempt at that genre. The musical side of the song is exceptionally boring, even moreso than the rest of the album. The drumming is an irritating consistency of fast offbeats throughout the entire song. The guitar is constantly doing runs, leaving the background to the boring bass line. The vocals are too boring throughout the first half, and are way too laid back for such a fast song.

It's a bad attempt at emo music, just like "In Years To Come". That's all I said. Don't put words in my mouth.

[superpeer]

Man, how do you always get your reviews to get the most replies in the forum?

[SubtleDagger]

Man, how do you always get your reviews to get the most replies in the forum?
Like this.

Just kidding. Actually, my song-by-song ones do, but my new generalized ones usually don't. The new DEP one is working on it, but I just reply when someone says something of interest. I suppose that's why.

[superpeer]

Maybe you're just a good reviewer. :)


I don't I've exceeded 10 replies in my reviews. Oh well.

[Reflection]

Nice review. This is for sure Thrice's best album. I'll have to disagree with you on SSIRY though, at first I didn't like it either but it really grew on me. This song also has some really really good lyrics. And A Subtle Dagger is probbaly the best song.

[DFelon204409]

Good emo music is moving and (hopefully) lyrically significant. That song is neither, and just because I like Thrice doesn't mean I automatically enjoy every song they do.

I don't link emo to any of that stuff you mentioned. "So Strange I Remember You" is just a crappy attempt at that genre. The musical side of the song is exceptionally boring, even moreso than the rest of the album. The drumming is an irritating consistency of fast offbeats throughout the entire song. The guitar is constantly doing runs, leaving the background to the boring bass line. The vocals are too boring throughout the first half, and are way too laid back for such a fast song.

It's a bad attempt at emo music, just like "In Years To Come". That's all I said. Don't put words in my mouth.

Actually Subtle, both of you are wrong. Your computer has been gone for a long time and you have missed my Crusade in the other music forum. Read through the thread "Emo: Is It Liked?" and you'll understand my argument and why you are dead wrong genrewise.

[DFelon204409]

Maybe you're just a good reviewer. :)


I don't I've exceeded 10 replies in my reviews. Oh well.

I haven't that much either but that's because I review much more obscure stuff.

[thewaterispoison]

Good emo music is moving and (hopefully) lyrically significant. That song is neither, and just because I like Thrice doesn't mean I automatically enjoy every song they do.

I don't link emo to any of that stuff you mentioned. "So Strange I Remember You" is just a crappy attempt at that genre. The musical side of the song is exceptionally boring, even moreso than the rest of the album. The drumming is an irritating consistency of fast offbeats throughout the entire song. The guitar is constantly doing runs, leaving the background to the boring bass line. The vocals are too boring throughout the first half, and are way too laid back for such a fast song.

It's a bad attempt at emo music, just like "In Years To Come". That's all I said. Don't put words in my mouth.

I'm not trying to put words in your mouth dood, the last thing was just a general statement...

[DFelon204409]

Also, thewaterispoison I'd really appreciate it if you changed your avatar. I don't want people to see that avatar and assume it's me spouting a bunch of weird opinions. Thanks.

[SubtleDagger]

Also, thewaterispoison I'd really appreciate it if you changed your avatar. I don't want people to see that avatar and assume it's me spouting a bunch of weird opinions. Thanks.
To be fair, that was my first avatar, and it is cool.

[DFelon204409]

To be fair, that was my first avatar, and it is cool.

Ya it's a cool avatar. I've had mine for a while and I'm sure a lot of people ID with that Thrice icon.