Million Dead-Harmony No Harmony
Forget everything you thought you knew about Million Dead. Anything you’ve heard, thought, preconceptions, throw them away. The Million Dead who were making great fast-paced post-hardcore records (albeit only one) is dead. Ready? Because this is a big one.
If you owned “A Song to Ruin”, particularly at the time of its release, then you are in for a shock. The fast, angry yet strangely upbeat collections of songs like “Breaking of the Back” are long gone. If you loved that album then get ready to be disappointed by this album, because it will actually sound really boring compared, which is ironic because this album is actually more exciting than “A Song to Ruin”.
What “Harmony, No Harmony” essentially is, is prog-rock, but within Post-hardcore boundaries. Although proving Million Dead haven’t totally lost touch of their roots with energetic opener “Bread & Circuses” which could easily sit along side any track from the previous album. But those who aren’t tone def will know that, particularly with the guitar work, Million Dead have always had a technical edge to them. Granted, Cameron has been replaced by Tom Fowler (ex-Palehorse), but it was obvious they were going to replace Cameron with someone who can do the job, but better. This means that with this album, they have actually opened up to all their influences rather than just previously being a good, British, excitable At the Drive-in/Refused influenced Post-Hardcore band. Take grindcore/thrash ridden “Plan B” which actually includes blast beats, something a mere post-hardcore band would never dare do.
It’s fair to say a lot of people have known for a long time that Million Dead are a special time, even though before they weren’t doing anything radically different. Now, with “Harmony, No Harmony” they are doing something challenging, radically different, diverse and championing all their peers and influences. This album is the proof that they are special because they’ve actually bothered to totally redefine themselves, experiment, and make potentially what will be an incredibly important album.
There’s also evidence that Frank himself has progressed with the band, as he is no longer singing anti-capitalist, socio-political lyrics that again fall under the atd-i/refused bracket. Now, Frank is writing far more personal, experimental lyrics. Take recent single “Living the Dream”, where he’s taking on a rock and roll persona and relating it to the desperate struggle to keep Million Dead alive.
But, this isn’t to say it isn’t without its flaws. After a few listens, after you’ve got your head round this huge album, you will actually return what you originally believed on a couple of songs, they are a bit boring. But then so was a couple of songs on “A Song to Ruin”. The other main reason why not to like this is a bit more pathetic, but still valid, is that, it’s not “A Song to Ruin”. This is such a radical change from the debut album that you will miss all the great moments from the last album such as “Breaking the Back”, “I am the Party” and “The Rise and Fall”. At times, where you could really relate and get into the last album, you do feel a bit alienated at this, just under an hour relentless noise.
But, these are much more minor than they sound, because there is no denying that this is a great album. Not perfect, but it took both At the drive-in and Refused three goes and many EP’s until they got it right…
Adam Turner-Heffer.
. Seen Frank with his solo stuff though - put on a good show.This Message Edited On 03.12.06
