Review Summary: As a result of their innovative instrumentation and solid vocals, PTW have created an album which will interest those who are looking for new ideas in the limited genre of hardcore.
Jeffrey Moreira - Vocals
Chris Hornbrook - Drums
Ryan Primack- Guitar
Derek Miller- Guitar
Geoff Bergman- Bass
As solid proof of a band that can mature and develop with every album they make, Poison the Well stands tall with their release of You Come Before You. Releasing the same mediocre or ordinary hardcore album may satisfy some bands, PTW has decided to keep a distance from competitors. They have decided to widen the hardcore genre and make a work of their own with touches of true originality.
From the beginning to end, PTW delivers an innovative sound of heaviness and melody that can take the listener away from the ordinary "first listen heaviness". The first noticeable difference on this album is the sound quality and mixing. Everything is heard, even the bass (for the most part). The guitars also have a sound you find on many other hardcore albums. The two guitarists work in a imaginative way creating a result that is there own. With a much more complex and highly developed tone, the execution of the guitars is much more effective. However, at some points the chaotic guitar bashing can come off as cluttered and messy, but only in a few points in the album. The bass could use some work with its potency, but at least it is audible throughout the album. The bass has some simple, but memorable and efficient moments despite its lack of vitality.
The drums are impressive as well. Chris proves that double bass is not always needed to create a heavier beat. He plays what matches the song and he is not trying to prove he is the best musician in the band. Whatever blends with the other instruments is what will make the album sound good as a whole. I’m sure Chris is capable in playing his instrument very well on the side, but he has decided to make sure he doesn’t steal the show by being too ostentatious.
To coat all the instrumentation, the vocals have progressed as well. The lyrics have become improved in the aspect of intensity and profundity in songs such as “Ghostchant” and “Meeting Again For the First Time”. The lyrics are backed up with Jeff’s true emotions, delivered appropriately for the content. The lyrics can be “emo” without sounding overdone or overdramatic. Jeff’s style of emotional lyrics is believable and adds significance to almost every song (besides “The Opinionated…” which contains no lyrics). The screaming from Jeff roars though the speakers and reaps all the sentiments from whoever is listening. His scream is not too strained and does not get too grating or annoying, depending on the listener’s taste. His actual singing is also a plus because it has definitely has gotten better since Tear From the Red. Fans of PTW will enjoy Jeff’s deeper style yells and polished voice on this album.
As a result of their innovative instrumentation and solid vocals, PTW have created an album which will interest those who are looking for new ideas in the limited genre of hardcore. An open minded album such as this can even reach out to those who don’t listen to hardcore music, which is why I would say it is a superb album. It has a few flaws, but they barely affect the greatness of this album.
Recommended Tracks:
Ghostchant
For A Bandaged Iris
Meeting Again For the First Time
The Realist
Zombies Are Good For Your Health
Crystal Lake
