Review Summary: Vanguard prove that they are impeccably skilled at writing badass breakdowns, but what else?
Vanguard's 2009 EP
Bring Hope is, when looked objectively, stereotypical breakdown-riddled deathcore. In fact, it even transcends these realms of being simply breakdown-focused: this is breakdown-
centric. Nearly every one of the EP's five songs is an exercise in how many possible variations on the same 0-1 fret four-bar pattern it is possible for the band to write. And let's face it: it gets monotonous. While there are non-breakdown sections scattered about, it gets old quick. This EP is best digested one or two songs at a time, as there is a very real risk of incorrectly labeling them as just as atrocious as every other similar band out there.
But the thing is that this label is, in fact, incorrect.
Vanguard spend at least 75% of their time performing one-tempo drop-Z breakdowns, but, unlike so many other core acts, the breakdowns are genuinely pretty freaking badass. The erratic tempos, the spastic beats, and the occasional soaring melodic overlays make for some of the manliest juns in the business. The guitar tone is actually slightly
different that that which is used for other bands' breakdowns, and is honestly quite delicious. Also, when the band experiments with more varied sections (read: non-breakdown parts), they triumphantly succeed.
God of This City throws some tasteful pop-punky major-key cleans into the mix along with the vocalist's typical shrieks, growls, and hardcore shouts (which are all above average themselves), and also experiments with a subdued clean section. In fact, this song doesn't go into full-on mosh mode until an entire three minutes into the song (
only 25% of the song is a breakdown). Closing track
Home Is Where the Heart Is plays with similar major-key concepts, also throwing in an surprisingly well-executed guitar solo for good effect.
There's not much to be said that hasn't been said already:
Vanguard plays awesome breakdowns, and lots of them. One second, the listener wants to bash his/her head against a brick wall just for the sheer intensity of the breakdowns, and the next second said listener will want to do the same out of weariness of the band's mosh-inducing chugs. The vocals and drums are stellar, and the band displays that they are capable of much more than monotonous chugging whenever they add some variation and experimentation into the mix. In the end, if you want to flatten a city or induce some severe head trauma, this is your go-to EP. If you want intelligent, varied metal, you would be best served waiting for
Vanguard to expand on the potential displayed here, and, in the meantime, looking elsewhere for your next deathcore fix.
Album Highlights
God of This City
Home Is Where the Heart Is
