Review Summary: I Declare War has distilled ten tracks with an original and refreshing 200 proof shot of heaviness down the hatch. Miserable in sound, and evenly matched in brutality, I Declare War is a solid piece of hatred that 'll keep the angry coming back.
I have always liked I Declare War. They are a very grab-your-attention-spit-in-your-face-and-break-you-the-buck-down kind of band. And I really like those kinds of bands. More importantly, amidst heavy saturation in the death core world, I Declare War continues to present the soul of death core in a refreshing manner. Upon hearing their new self titled album, its heaviness is resolute. Expect your brutal, terrific breakdowns brought still with harsh vocals from new vocalist Jamie. Although in honesty his vocals are a bit airier than Jon’s, he does a solid job in directing the band in their bloody assault across 10 songs. I personally felt Jon was a better vocalist for the band, but perhaps I am just clinging to a familiar voice in I Declare War. In contrast to their last release Malevolence, the band has hugely improved their songwriting capabilities. Listen to the first five seconds of almost any track from Malevolence; slow to start and not particularly ear grabbing. Compare this to any song introductions from I Declare War, and let yourself be caught off guard. Intro’s to songs like Human Waste, The Dot, or the Final Hour pull the listener right in for an chuggy and merciless ear beating. This brings us to the best song from the album Final Hour. The track opens with a riff that put Malevolence to shame, and keeps you lured in as the song grows angrier. Crazed fans of Whitechapel will be happy to hear the dominating presence of vocalist Phil Bozemen, beginning his slaughter towards the middle of the track. Speaking of Phil Bozeman, I Declare War’s big time influence from Whitechapel shines more than ever, preparing a chilling dish of sickening breakdowns and slower, doomier guitar parts laced with dread.
Ultimately, I Declare War is a polished, solid and deserved score of deathcore that will render break down lovers paralyzed in aggression. More exciting, technical, and heavier than their former work Malevolence, I Declare War will turn heads and get the attention they have been deserving since 2007.
Give em a like on Facebook, and buy the damn album!
