Review Summary: An above average release from a band that’s still young and still discovering their potential.
Metalcore and Deathcore are both sub-genres that inspire not nearly as much love as they do hate. Die-hard Metal enthusiasts look at both forms of music as borderline blasphemy… As if there are actually Metal gods and they are angered by the defiling of their sacred language. For those of you who subscribe to this particular belief system, I’m sad to say that the new Seneca album will probably not tickle your proverbial fancy. However, if you do enjoy the afore mentioned sub-genres, this is an album that proves it can be done right and it doesn’t always have to strictly consist of mindless chugs and death growls.
Seneca is a five piece band hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina. The release of Reflections marks their second full length but the first while signed to the Germany based Lifeforce Records. The limited edition version also contains their 2006 self-titled release originally distributed through Divisional Media Recordings. Both of which were produced by Jamie King of Between the Buried and Me fame.
Reflections brought with it the addition of a second guitarist in the form of Ryan Noble as well as a new vocalist, Corey Page, to replace Zack Messick. Both are welcomed and add a new depth to their particular style of Metal. Corey Page has a much greater range as well as the ability to seamlessly transition to clean, melodic vocals. “Palehorse” is a perfect example/trial by fire to his particular style. Some say the softer vocals don’t particularly fit with the genre but in this case they give the listener a break from the harsh vocals that dominate the majority of the album.
The step up to dual guitars does give them greater options for songwriting as well as enhance their live performance. Both Joseph Miller and Ryan Noble are more than capable with their instruments but at the same time don’t bring anything groundbreaking to the table. They are technical enough and execute with relative precision. They play off of each other nearly flawlessly as showcased on tracks like “The 29th Day.” As with most Deathcore albums, solos (in their truest sense) are almost nonexistent but there are plenty of intricate sweeps littered throughout the record.
The percussion work on the album is pretty standard, but then again it’s hard to stand out in a genre where everyone is trying to play faster and more technical than the next guy. I will say this, Nathan Thomas has improved leaps and bounds from their first full-length. Before, it seamed as though he just couldn’t quite keep up; where as now he’s spot on with the rest of the band. He never truly stands out but then again he never drags them down either. As expected, the bass in inaudible 98.7% of the time. The few times you can hear Rico Marziali’s licks, they are just following the drum work. Nothing more, nothing less.
Overall, this is an above average release from a band that’s still young and still discovering their potential. I would expect to hear a lot more from these guys in the future unless people just up and stop listening to heavy music. Thankfully there will always be pissed of kids who need and excuse to kick the s*** out of each other. Thus, the cycle continues.
