 | Tracklist:
1 - Ad Astra
2 - Martyrs
3 - Man Made Disaster
4 - Because of You
5 - Tapestry of Me
6 - Liberate Me Ex Inferis
7 - Leave it All Behind
8 - Life is Precious
9 - Love Lost
10- Azalée
11- When You're Alone
Release Date: 09/20/2011 | |
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On 7 Lists
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| Summary: You'd expect more from a band who tries THIS hard. |
4 of 4 thought this review was well written
Betraying The Martyrs are a relatively unknown group hailing from France. They recently signed with the ever-growing Sumerian Record label. Now being a fan of a good number of bands signed to Sumerian, I had high hopes for this band and their debut album "Breathe In Life". But after a complete listen through twice, I found out my hopes were misplaced.
Featuring symphonic (even black metal) keys, breakdowns, blast beats, and a mix of clean and deathcore vocals, Betraying The Martyrs gave it their all when recording their debut. However, their all just wasn't enough to make "Breathe In Life" a solid record.
The album kicks off with a symphonic track titled "Ad Astra". The song is nothing special, you can tell a stong Immediate Music influence, and it ends as abruptly as it started. The album then moves on to "Martyrs" (what a creative title), a very nonchalant, boring track. You'll find your standard breakdowns, some descending keys, and really nothing else of value or interest.
The album really doesn't fluctuate much at all throughout. The same elements are found in every song. Sometimes you'll be slightly entertained by Victor Gulliet's clean vocals, but again they are nothing we haven't heard before. There is one highlight I can honestly pick out from the album, and that is the catchy breakdown around the 2:15 mark of "Man Made Disaster". It's short-lived, lasting around 25 seconds, and it's back to the same wankery until the end.
Production of the album is solid, but the drums and keys are emphasized way too much on "Breathe In Life". You'll often find yourself struggling to single-out the guitarists, and the bass practically doesn't exist. It's a very "crunchy" sounding album, that feels quite a bit rushed.
I'd love to say that "Breathe In Life" is a good album, but it just isn't. When compared to other artists on their label (Structures, Veil of Maya, Born of Osiris), they can't hold their own. Whether it's from trying too hard to make a solid first impression, or just a lack of creativity, Betraying The Martyrs have a ways to go before true metal fans will take them seriously.
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| Recent reviews by this author | | | |
Album Rating: 2.5 | Sound Off
A mess of an album. So much shit going on at any given point it's hard to even figure out which direction they are going.
Some of you will love this album, others will absolutely hate it. I'm on the fence, some decent ideas at work, but this album just isn't very good.
| | | Album Rating: 2
You'd expect more from a band who tries THIS hard.
Hit the nail right on the head
Digging: Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight Digging: Joe Bonamassa - Driving Towards The Daylight | | | Album Rating: 2.5 | Sound Off
Doesn't it just seem like they tried so hard to make this album, like forced even? I feel like they probably wrote and recorded this album in a matter of a couple of months, if that. Judging by the YouTube comments on their videos, scene kids are going to eat this up.
| | | Album Rating: 2
I totally agree with you; sounds like they were trying to force too many things into just a single song and it just was not executed well. And yes, this is sure to be a hit with the kids.
| | | Album Rating: 2.5 | Sound Off
At least I know I'm not crazy now. All these comments on YT of people praising them, and I honestly just thought it was a mess. Like I said, I'm sure there will be a fair share of users on Sputnik giving this 4's and such, but I know a lot more will be giving it a 2 or 3.
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
I do agree on the drums and keys being to loud but I think they stand out among a mass of shit that's out right now but fair review.
Digging: Veil Of Maya - Eclipse | | |
I have yet to listen to them. I heard of these guys through that Thrash and Burn opener contest. From the sounds of it, I'm glad Volumes won.
Digging: T.R.A.M. - Lingua Franca Digging: T.R.A.M. - Lingua Franca
| | | Album Rating: 2.5 | Sound Off
Oh yes Volumes is much better than this band. You know maybe in the future they'll progress, but as it stands, nah.
And can you guys believe they use 7-strings? I can't hear anything that discerns it to be a 7-string, it's like they just tuned it to standard or something, kind of stupid.
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I like your reviewing style Techie pretty brief and straight to the point or points. :thumbs up:
| | | Album Rating: 2.5 | Sound Off
Thank you :x I'm not very good at lengthy reviews. I tend to run out of things to say.
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I feel you man, I took three days to type up a review for The Discovery and when I went to post it, my internet crashed. I didnt have a back up saved either. >.
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I listened to some demos by these guys, a few cool parts but overall a complete mess.
Digging: T.R.A.M. - Lingua Franca
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bout to download and listen to this.
i'm not expecting much.
Digging: Balance And Composure - Acoustic 7" Digging: Balance And Composure - Acoustic 7"
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**** band
Digging: Fantastimo - Fantastimo Journey Digging: Fantastimo - Fantastimo Journey
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Haven't heard this, but I can confidently say its a 1.5 or lower.
Digging: Strapping Young Lad - City Digging: Strapping Young Lad - City
| | | Album Rating: 2.5 | Sound Off
You're not wrong in giving it a 1.5. Only reason I did 2.5 is because they do have some musical talent.. they just tried way too hard.
| | | Album Rating: 2
from what i've heard this is not as bad as i expected, the vocals are okay and sometimes a few seconds will go by that sound really awesome. but usually it's really messy to the point that it's disorienting, there's constantly way too much shit going on that doesn't make sense together
Digging: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu - Pamyu Pamyu Revolution Digging: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu - Pamyu Pamyu Revolution | | |
Agree with just about all of the above statements. Too busy of an album, feel like they could have toned the key's and drums back slightly and fit them more into pocket to give the record, albeit, probably quieter sound, but definitely more put together than this bloody mess. Im gonna give it a few more listens before I rate but the only song I can honestly pick apart from any of the others is Man Made Disaster, and even that song is rehashed by the end of the album
| | | Album Rating: 3 | Sound Off
Because of You has a massive breakdown.
Digging: Float Face Down - Exitium Verum Digging: Float Face Down - Exitium Verum | | |
Their singer has been trying too hard since way before he moved to Paris to join this band. He used to play in For Untold Reason, myspace them, just as bad.
This album is fucking horrible btw.
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