 | Tracklist:
1. Incarnate 365
2. No One
3. Systems Overload
4. Armenian Persecution
5. Grace of the Unholy
6. Mediator
7. Forevers Horizon
8. Salvations Malevolence
9. Fading Away
10. Jimson Isolation
11. Screams
12. Search For Divinity
13. Unveiled Tomorrows
14. From The Womb To The Tomb
Release Date: 1995 | |
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Should have been. Could have been. This has been the tale of Integrity since the release of their debut. On each successive album they display a wealth of potent ideas but somehow they never reach the jaw-dropping heights that they could if their potential was fully realised. None more exemplify this problem than Integrity’s sophomore effort, Systems Overload.
Systems seems based on solid groundwork, a more hardcore-orientated approach to the blackened metalcore sound they pioneered on Those Who Fear Tomorrow and at first it seems the lightning of inspiration has struck twice, perhaps even harder than before. “Incarnate 365” is a triumphant statement of destruction, three massive NYHC-esque breakdowns with screeching Slayer-influenced solos, demonic vocals and powerful sampling. It emphasises everything that is great about Integrity and stands as one of the best songs they’ve ever put to disc.
Shame the rest of the album doesn’t stand up as well.
While there are touches of brilliance throughout, ninety percent of the time the songs bring to the fore the problems that were glimpsed upon Those Who Fear Tomorrow; unfocused songwriting with overreliance on derivative conventions for substance. Such is the case here as Systems relies far too heavily on fast-paced d-beat sections and chaotic soloing to carry the weight of the songwriting. Many a time a riffs starts to run out of steam due to constant repetition, a rush of d-beat drumming cuts in to take up the slack or a solo is used to enhance the dying riffs. As unoriginal as this maybe it would have been tolerable if these elements had been well executed but they aren’t. The d-beat sections are flat and lifeless and the soloing, while great, feels like yet another excuse for the band’s lack of imagination. However perhaps the greatest fault lies with the production. Thanks to a “quick fix” by Victory Records, the music is lost in a smog of reverb and effectively neutered because of it. It’s a sad finishing touch to a ruined vision. It could have been, should have been so much more but thanks to a lack of inventiveness and a lot of greed what remains is a hollow husk of unfulfilled greatness.
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| Recent reviews by this author | | | |
Album Rating: 3.5
Another awesome review. I guess I like this more than you though.
Digging: Gorilla Biscuits - Start Today | | | Album Rating: 3
I have Those Who Fear Tomorrow, are any of their other albums worth checking out?
Digging: You Blew It! - Grow Up, Dude | | | Album Rating: 3.5
@HSThomas: No, never heard of 'em. What album do you recommend?
@Blackbelt: Those Who Fear Tomorrow is probably their best. Their most recent, The Blackest Curse, is great as well. Hell, most of their stuff is pretty awesome.
| | | Album Rating: 3
thanks I'll give those albums a listen
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
I second Cold Blood. Band is sick as fuck. I'll check that out and let you know if I find anything. Can you not even find anything to d/l?
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Love (and agree with) the review
Digging: Joy Division - Closer Digging: Joy Division - Closer
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Good to see you too, man. I'll be making a return next month.
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Definately gonna review, but no idea what at the minute. Haven't heard new music in months.
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What a harsh review. It is also a very good one.
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