Review Summary: The Prophets Put A Gun To Their Heads, Minus The Bullets
Sporting eye-catching album art and a record of three fantastic albums (The Fake Sound Of Progress, Start Something, The Betrayed) LostProphets return with a whimper, harking back to the days of Liberation Transmission. Remember that troubled time? It's not quite as cringing this time round, but Weapons leaves something to be desired.
Some explosions are shown (From the two catchy singles) and with a strong-hearted track labeled 'Better Off Dead' Ian Watkins and his band have improved and diversed in some aspects. Treating the listener to louder, adrenaline fueled songs. However, under the electric singles are shallow shells of what the Prophets used to be.
"A Song From Where I'm From" starts off running but quickly comes to a stop. The favoured guitar riff disappears and is replaced by radio-friendly vocals - they wipe the slate completely off course after the first four worthy songs. From that time onwards, Weapons bores completely: Trading the loud catchy anthems and watering them down to something with a different identity. I expected a heavier sound to enter most of these songs, to spark them to life (Just like the good old days) sadly I could only hang my head in disappointment.
The Prophets show their true colours on Weapons, vouching for a few memorable songs and moments to recapture the magic of previous records. It works in short bursts and inspires over time. But overall Weapons could have been so much more! If the band followed the same vein as 'The Betrayed' instead of opting for quieter, meaningful lyrics. If the band showed off their talents as a unit, instead of Watkin's vocals clearing the way - Then Weapons would have been the greatest record of it's kind.
