Review Summary: AILD have made an evolved turn for the better combining their trademark melodic metalcore with thrash to make an album that defines what metalcore should be.
In my earlier days as a supposed "Metalhead", I was limitedly open to the metalcore genre. Aside from *Killswitch Engage* and *All That Remains*, two of my favorite bands, I viewed metalcore bands as boring and wimpy. So when I saw on myspace new releases that As I Lay Dying had released an new album, I wrote it off as another emo album undeserving on my attention. Needless to say, I was shocked when I heard the track "Within Destruction" in the background of a youtube video and thought, "This is the most metal song I've heard in a while!".
Since then I have become much more tolerant of core musics, but nothing matches the shear perfection that is this album. I had heard this band once before and I did not think they were bad, but I didn't think they were anything special. After hearing this album, a review of their previous work revealed their past efforts to be solid and enjoyable, but missing something. This album is that something. AILD have redefined their sound, giving their music much more power and depth. A nontraditional metalcore fan may argue that this is just another metalcore album but in a better direction, but from a fans perspective it is my opinion that an album like this is exactly what metal needs right now.
So what is so good about this album?
Well for starters the songwriting has greatly improved. Whereas their previous album had suffered from repetition, having most of the songs sound similar, each song on this album has it's own unique feel to it. Some songs are absolutely pounding with aggression, while others carry a solid melody that really make the song. As mentioned before, songs like *Within Destruction* are my highlights from the album, being very quick and heavy, bringing a sheer metal feel to the table. On the opposite spectrum, songs like *I Never Wanted* display AILD's ability to add a more melodic element to their music. Another highlight of this album is the use of breakdowns. Rather than the chunky, simplistic breakdowns of their past efforts and most metalcore outfit, the breakdowns on this album are always driving, aggressive, and usually have an extra element to them. This is best displayed on tracks like "Comfort Betrays" and "Forsaken".
Ok so the overall songwriting has improved, but what about the individual musicians?
The vocals REALLY shine on this album. Tim Lambesis's has come up with an iconic metal scream for this album. This is about as brutal as a scream can get without going guttural. His screams carry an impressive variation as well; not to high, not to low, but enough to cover the ranges you need. His enunciation has improved as well. The new bassist has also brought a better range of clean vocals to the table.
The guitars have definitely improved. Rather than stick to the same 5-7-8 fret metalcore riff formula, there are a variety of different styles and patterns. Some lead parts are downright zany, as in "The Sound of Truth". Also present are an abundance of very well executed guitar solos. I wouldn't go so far as to say they are going to be the next guitar god highlights, but they fit the songs well and have some areas that most guitarists would consider tricky. The bass is somewhat absent as with most metalcore efforts, but it fills it's position as it's supposed to. I thought the mixing on this album was very well done. The new bassist appears to be a tad better as well.
The drums are amazing as always. Jordan Mancino holds his title as one of the best drummers of this genre. It's hard to say the drums have improved, but they are very well executed of this album. The footwork on this album is next to ridiculous. He also exibits a great amount of restraint when needed. Though the drums are very complex, he knows how to keep them simple for slower songs whiile still making them very filling. This is a major asset to any metal drummer. If he keeps up the good work he could very well go down as a drumming legend.
All in all I think this album is amazing. If you're a fan of the genre you will love it, but if you are a hardcore metalhead you should still get a kick out of it. With this album As I Lay Dying have set their place amoungs the various metalcore acts that have moved closer to a more educated metal style. This album has songs that are as heavy as heavy can get, as well as some heartfelt anthems. This is a definate check out for any fan of harder metal.
