Review Summary: Really good.................................................
The year 2007 was a great year for music releases. A great year. GREAT!!!!!!! The Showdown's "Temptation, Come My Way" came out, and crushed the skulls of listeners. Kids in the Way's "Love Hate Masquarade" came out, and gave listeners a new meaning to the phrase "sell out". Oh, Sleeper charged through the gates of chaotic metal, and released "When I Am God". And, a fairly new band called Cry of the Afflicted flew straight under the radars, and released what may be the most melodic record on Solid State so far. That record is called "The Unveiling".
Now, I do not lie. COTA seriously just flew right in, without even a months notice, and released their album, but barely went on any tours at all. Their current activity level is at an all time low, which leaves fans to believe that they might have broken up. It is very sad to say, because "The Unveiling" is up there with The Showdown, and Oh, Sleeper in my humble opinion.
But you don't want to hear me rant on about my opinions. You just want to read this review, and slam it with your opinions. So I'll get on with the record.
The first song on the track "Lift the Veil" is possibly the heaviest song on the album, but definately not a good one. The main vocalist's scream is terrible. It sounds like he's trying to puke something up. But when the singing kicks in, there's a feeling that comes over you, taking over every emotion in your body, and reverses the bloodflow in your veins...............ahem...................
But that takes us to another problem on the disc. The singing is very good, but about after the first 4 songs, it feels kind of repetitive. Every single time the vocalist starts singing, it sounds like there are 6 different people singing at the same time. It sounds good, but it never changes. There is no variety in the singing. They take a few breaks and scream, but I already mentioned that the screaming sucks.
Don't get me wrong, the vocals are good, and they match the instrumentation really well. It's just that singing should capture your attention, and I think that Cry of the Afflicted made a big mistake only showing the harmonious vocalizing side.
The guitars are very melodic, and captivating. It seems as if the guitarist is sick and tired of breakdowns, seeing that this album contains none. Instead, it has a real rock 'n' roll feel to it, with impossible-to-play guitar licks. The bass is really good, and reminds me alot of the bassist from Emery. Not Devon, but the old guy Chopper. The drums are good, but nothing special.
Basically, this is the same thing you've heard before. The only difference is the vocals, which are good, but tend to bore you after a few songs. But still, there is something about the record that makes you want to go back to it again and again and again.
Don't pick it up blindly though. Check out there myspace, and see if you like 'em. After all, this isn't a review. It's my opinion. Your opinions may be different. But keep in mind, this may be the last album they will release.
