Review Summary: Johnny Truant's debut album remains as listenable and pleasing as it did twelve years ago. A truly great metalcore album.
Johnny Truant as a band, in the grand scheme of things, were an outfit that didn't last too long. Starting out in 2000
they released one EP and two LP's, disbanding in December 2008. However, what can also be said about them is that they did make a lasting impression with what they did release. Their debut EP was a strong mix of clever, heavy and dense instrumentation which featured a variety of different facets, such as groove, competent musicianship and consistent vocals. With
In the Library of Horrific Events, the band cemented themselves as strong forerunners of the UK metalcore scene, alongside other such acts like SikTh, Devil Sold His Soul and Architects.
Right from the opening track, the listener is treated to a glorious mix of intelligent instrumentation and harsh, well executed vocals. The band's sound consists mostly of heavy, downtuned riffs that ooze with groove, coupled with a penchant for both melody and discomforting chords. One of the many album highlights comes in the form of The Bloodening, which starts with an unforgettable yet simple guitar riff. Johnny Truant never tried to be overtly technical/brutal - the music flows nicely and the vocals are a definite highlight. Oli Mitchell employs good range and executes all sorts of growls, screams and roars. His lyrics are also of note - The Bloodening is a dark insight into the hidden agendas of religious sanctities. The guitars throughout the album provide sumptuous noise to aid Oli - Vultures is the perfect interlude (featuring clean guitar) before leading into another album highlight in the form of A Day In the Death. The rhythms are interesting and varied and the juxtaposition of melody and heaviosity contributes to the overall feel of the music. Of course, this is metalcore, so expect a breakdown or two, perhaps a few. Breakdowns on the album are never trite, uninspired or boring however. Utilising a plethora of different techniques and musical traits, Johnny Truant successfuly integrate several super heavy breakdowns into their songs - the end of the Bloodening is terrific in its simplicity and the later songs on the album, such as I, the Exploder, benefit from having these sections.
The production on
In the Library of Horrific Events is nothing short of superb, thanks to mastering abilities of Killswitch Engage's Adam D. The drums sound clear and powerful, with the guitars and bass being mixed very well, with the same going for the vocals. I must emphasise that the vocal performance throughout is brilliant - whilst the instruments are never mindblowingly virtuosic, the atmospheres created by the band are great. The ending of The Necropolis Junction is ethereal and enchanting to say the least. Put simply, the album is heavy and dark in the right places, yet melodic and emotionally driven where it can be. This amalgamation goes for the entirety of the album, at times even combining the darker, more moody sections with an essence of sanguinity.
Overall,
In the Library of Horrific Events is one of the many hidden gems of the metalcore genre. Even though their sophomore effort never really capitalized on the sound demonstrated here, this album stands as one of the best the genre has to offer. Its mix of downright heavy groove and careful, intricate use of melody help create an album that can be appreciated by many a fan of hardcore and metal. The vocals express a lot of despair as well as hope too and are a definite value that helps make the album that little bit better. Within time, it could be uttered that this album will go down as a classic within the genre. Even though the band are now defunct, they can take pride in knowing that they released an album that pretty much eclipsed 80% of their peers in quality.
Recommended Tracks
The Bloodening
Realist Surrealist
A Day In the Death
I, the Exploder
