Review Summary: Impending Doom ventures to show off their talent but still have the flaws of ghost's past.
Impending Doom.
I remember when I first heard of these guys, I was talking with my friend about how the most brutal bands are never Chrisitian. Then he said, "Whoa! Are you crazy?! Haven't you heard of Impending Doom? That's some heavy stuff right there." So I went home and checked them out, 'More Than Conquerers" popped up and I gave it a listen, I was blown away. But, at the same time, it was missing something, this record has shown me the missing piece in their career as a christian deathcore band, variety.
Hell Breaks Loose
The album starts off with one of the most eerie-sounding guitar riffs, which is comparable to 'Anything Goes'. While it is your typical "breakdown-then-song" formula, it is done very well. It is absolutely epic when Brook says "Silence..". 4/5
There Will Be Violence
Up next is the song that was faded into. The first thing you'll notice is how aggresive the riff is, it creates a pushing feeling which is similar to moshing (bedroom moshing as of now...). Another thing you'll notice about this song is the drumming, it has been one of the focal points alongside Brook's superior screaming ability. Very good track, but very, VERY repetitive. 3.5/5
Orphans
Ok, so first, I never even knew that As I Lay Dying's Tim Lambesis is in this song until the other day. They sound too similar. This song has a very good structure and a very cool breakdown strumming pattern. This is one of their most popular songs they have recorded, but, to be honest, it sounds rather uninspiring to me. The best part of this song is the riffage. 3.5/5
Peace Illusion
THE BEST SONG ON THE RECORD. This songs starts off with the coolest drumming and guitar synchronization you've ever heard. This also displays Brook's very good one-lining ability. For when he screams "Noise! Peace! Illusions!", it is pretty much impanted in your long term memory. At about 2:30 starts one of the coolest breakdowns I've heard in a long time. 5/5
The Great Fear
Easily second best on the record. This has guest vocals from Vincent of The Acacia Strain, the first and primitive thing you'll notice from this song is the amazing blast beat. It is incredibly fast and well done with the alternating between ride and bell. Similar to Salt The Wound's blast beat. Another extremely memorable line is in this song. "THIS WON'T LAST FOREVER!!" This song will keep you hooked the entire time, not a boring second in it. 5/5
Walking Through Fire
This is the sleeper of the album, this song seems to be the song where the band goes "Let's just put one more on the record." It has a pretty cool breakdown with the underlying melodic riff. 2.5/5
Love Has Risen
The first time I heard this song, I was amazed, that quickly faded, this is a repetitive but well done, instrumental song. It has some very cool riffage and an amazing drum section at around 3:27. 3.5/5
The Son Is Mine
Very groovy song. Has some off time drumming is the beginning. This song can really display Brandon's talent alongside "The Great Fear". He is one of the best drummers in deathcore. Another one liner in this song "The son is mine!!" This song remenisces Whitechapel, which is one of their influences. There is no crappy Ben Weiman remixing on this song though. (Recorrupted anyone?) 4/5
Children of Wrath
This finishes off the top three of songs on the album, a very well organized, groovy, and brutal song. it has an AWESOME drumming pattern that is extremely fun to play. 0:55 is where the song really picks up and let me tell you, amazing lyricism is in this song. Look them up for yourself. The chorus of this song really throws off a lot of my friends. "I thought they were Christian?" "That's kinda sacriligeous." The chorus is "Oooh! I HATE RELIGION! I DON'T NEED A CULT! THIS WORLD DOESN'T NEED ANYMORE FAKES!" The real meaning behind this line is they hate the view of religion the world have adopted, they believe in having a good, clean relationship with God. 4.5/5
Sweating Blood
A great album ender. It is a very well written song, revolving around a build-up formula to keep the litener interested. This also has a cool bass solo while not impressive is needed in the song. It fades into the chorus/pre-breakdown which are both have an underlying eerieness. This song keeps you interested and gently moving, it's not extremely brutal, but anytime you go to this album on your ipod, you'll most likely listen to this. 4/5
Pros:
Great lyricism (one-liners)
Brandon's absolutely insane drumming
The new djenty sound of the guitars
Cons:
Some typical deathcore parts
Songs are pretty straightforward
Tim Lambesis not getting the spotlight quite deserved
Recommendations:
The Great Fear #1
Peace Illusion #2
Children of Wrath #3
There Will Be Violence #4
