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Review Summary: A fantastic debut that surprises the listener with its original sound. Very few bands manage to put out a satisfyingly unique album. There are a few (like Slipknot's self-titled debut or Mudvayne's L.D.50) that have broken the mold of the painfully stereotypical nu-metal genre. Most bands do small tweaks to Korn's/Sevendust's formula of heavy riffs backed by singing mixed with screaming here and there. Since October's debut manages to stick to the genres roots, but make a distinct sound that can be recognized in comparison to other Christian hard rock bands.
Since October is:
Ben Graham: lead vocals
Luke Graham: guitars, backing vocals
Josh Johnson: bass, backing vocals
Audie Grantham: drums, screamed vocals
The blatant fact that every member of the band gets a decent amount of vocal airtime is an early surprise. Most bands only have 2 or 3 vocally gifted people. Ben's vocals manage to be the most unique of the groups and easily carries the band. His voice is the cornerstone for the band and doesn't falter often (except for the pre-chorus in "Follow Me Down" where Ben gets a vocal solo, which sounds empty and just plain hollow). The screams from Audie also complement the music well and blend in perfectly. I honestly thought Ben did the screams, but research proved me wrong. The drums and bass are obviously the standout instruments. The bass intro to the title track, "My Heart", is a unique start that shows exactly what is to come. The bass stands out in nearly every song and is focused on a lot in the verses of almost all the songs. The drums mix in well and manage to stay simple, but stand out much more than one would expect. Audie is easily the most talented man in the quartet and shows his abilities off in areas such as in the bridge and choruses in "Guilty" and all throughout their first single, "Disaster". There are many other colorful beats and fills throughout the album, but those are my two favorites. The guitar work is pretty simple and alternates from catchy, but somewhat simple lead parts to simpler power riffs in the verses to match the drums and bass. The bass really acts more of a lead in the verses than one would expect, but the flip is nice and gains my complements.
The mood of the album can only be described as a mix between grunge and nu-metal. There is no silly rapping, but the instrumentals play off that angle and could easily be transformed into a rapcore album, if the band chose so (which, thank god, they don't). There is a lot of low bass energy mixed with Ben's lower pitched vocals which give a very eerie, dark tone to the music. They never break this chain throughout the album, but Ben's voice wouldn't match any higher octaves. The songwriting is decent, especially for a first album; they don't have any problems getting their Christian influences across either (the biggest example is in "Live to Die"). The lyrics aren't as obvious as some bands, but you surely won't confuse them for anything but a Christian band. The closest comparison to another band I can give is that Since October is a Christian TRUSTcompany, minus Tc's rare rapping.
To conclude, This is My Heart sets the standard for a band on the rise. They have satisfied many fans, Christian or not. They go more mainstream with their latest album, which isn't up to the quality of this album (granted, I have yet to hear the entire album). Hopefully, they don't forget their roots and at least keep the elements that made this album enjoyable and unique.
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Album Rating: 4.0
Hey, first review in awhile. Tell me my mistakes and leave all types of feedback. I was really surprised this album hadn't had a review yet, so I felt obliged. Hope it's good (I wrote this much quicker than I intended).
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i predict a major shitstorm coming!
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
This a troll album or something? They aren't mainstream at all, and have a 3.6/5 rating (not bad). Figured this wouldn't get much hate, since they aren't well known.
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I used to dig this album back in the day (not really, just two years ago), but anyways, a 3.6 rating with 14 votes doesn't count for much.
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And apparently, I have a soundoff for this album o.o
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no, zehan. you'll see soon.
when the thread starts getting religious :D
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They were better one their first album, when Ben did the screams.
Decent album, but lol at "original sound". They're like a watered-down Red mixed with Decyfer Down.
Also:
A fantastic debut that surprises the listener with it's original sound.
Learn the difference between its and it's
The air of the album can only be described as a mix between grunge and nu-metal.
What is the "air of the album"? I'm guessing the generally sound, judging by context.
The vocals aren't as obvious as some bands, but you surely won't confuse them for anything but a Christian band.
I think you meant lyrics. I don't see how the vocals aren't obvious.
To conclude, This is My Heart sets the standard for a band on the rise, which has satisfied many fans, Christian or not.
Attack of the Commas! Awkward sentence.
They go more mainstream with their latest album, which isn't up to the quality of this album (granted, I have yet to hear the entire album).
Try not to judge things you're not qualified to make an informed opinion about.
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
Thanks for the feedback Emim. I didn't catch those weird sentences or errors in my proofreading. I'll make sure I go back and fix them later. And I guess they do sound like Red, but I wouldn't call them watered down Red (and Decyfer Down is a weaker comparison, in my opinion). And Innocent, I never looked at the number of votes, my bad. And I hope this doesn't get religious. Just because it's a christian band doesn't mean it has to become religious. most of my reviews are on religious bands, and they don't erupt into arguments.
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
I fixed everything except the original-ness and the comparison to their newest album. btw I have heard songs on the newer one.
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My girlfriend is christian , though the only christian band I like is mewithoutyou.I might buy this for her birthday since its coming up.... should be an interesting experience.
Well written stuff man, keep it up.
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mewithoutYou isn't really a Christian band
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I really like Live to Die off this album, but otherwise this is just an okay Disciple/Red/Decyfer Down hybrid. You're definitely getting better at reviewing, keep it up. It looks like you took Emim's criticisms so I really have nothing to add.
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
Thanks for the positive feedback everyone.
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This aint worth anything higher then a 3 for me.
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
Just an opinion. I did only get the full album a week or so ago, so this rating might be a little hasty, but I listened to it 5 or so times, so I think its justified.
And Paperback, If your girl likes this genre of music, I would highly recommend this album.
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