Review Summary: Rashomon is not reinventing the wheel or even adding to it, it's simply replicating it, in a very compelling way.
Just for full disclosure, I'm not very familiar with
Trivium or for that matter, any of Matt Heafy's previous work. While I have heard of him by reputation alone, this album was my first formal introduction to the musician's music, so perhaps my humble opinion of his newest project will be a bit more impartial than others, at least I hope. I happened upon this album merely from hearing of Ihsahn's involvement and the resulting curiosity. Ihsahn, a legendary black metal musician, is usually creating something that at the very least, is creative and interesting. I wasn't aware of how high or low his level of involvement was, but I had to check it out. I have to admit, I'm glad I did.
Rashamon is an album that fuses together a few different sub-genres of metal. Ranging from thrashy riffs, shrieking and chaotic black metal, and slower, almost experimentally softer moments. The album opener
Kagutsuchi, does a great job of letting the listener know what they are in store for, starting off with fast and precise riffing and drumming, harsh yells and shrieks accompanied with clean singing, and even a slower, more melodic middle section that is highly reminiscent of early 2000's
Opeth. Heafy goes back and forth between the two heavier-lighter styles both instrumental and vocally, doing an adequate job of both. His vocals are complimented by an impressive shrieking, black metal inspired vocal guest appearance from Gerard Way (
My Chemical Romance), as well as a solo from Ihsahn on perhaps one of the album's best tracks,
Ronin.
While it's easy to praise this album for what it does right, there are a few areas where I feel it deserves a bit of criticism. Transitioning between heavy and aggressive, to light and melodic, instrumentally speaking, is impressive when done right. Late 90's to early 2000's melodic death metal bands evoked an entire musical style out of it.
Rashomon is steeped in this practice, so much so that it loses the desired impact and gets old quick. Nearly every song employs this tactic, sometimes multiple times in one track. It's a case of doing something well, but doing it far too often. I also feel as if other bands have done this much better in the past, and to a greater effect. Rashomon is not reinventing the wheel, or even adding to it, they are simply replicating it, albeit they do a very fine job of it.
Fans of progressive or black metal will undoubtedly find something to enjoy here. An album packed full of inspiration from multiple styles of metal,
Rashomon somehow combines these styles into one cohesive album. While impressive, it may not be enough for dedicated fans of one specific genre. Still, don't let that stop you from enjoying some quality music from some of the hardest working musicians in metal.
