Review Summary: Accessible, Structured, but not bad at all
After listening to Vengeance Falls, one thing is clear; Trivium are moving towards accessible, mainstream rock/metal, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're selling out.
Instead of the metalcore style of playing that was on their previous effort, In Waves, Trivium have a more melodic, hard rock approach. There are more clean vocals, with screams only in the background or in the bridge of a song. The guitar and drum work is reminiscent of In Waves, but it seems simpler and mixed differently compared to that album. The guitar work is decent, with good solos here and there, but there are chugging riffs throughout, waiting for vocals to come in. The drumming is anything but stellar, but there isn't much creative room allowed in mainstream music.
Each song is structured with verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus, which doesn't come to much of a surprise, and doesn't lead to many surprises through the album. Nonetheless, the songs are catchy and anthemic, with simpler lyrics than previous albums, yet they aren't childish and bland.
One thing that is criticized about the album is the major lack of screamed or growled vocals. This is what many consider the 'sell out' of this album. This actually does the opposite, making for more room for a wider vocal range from Matt Heafy, and a stronger voice, as it isn't weakened from screaming. Screaming is a trend in most metal music today, and many forget it didn't start out with screaming. However, many forget this and immediately assume when screaming is lacked, a band is selling out.
This album represents a major change in the music from Trivium, with structures and more singing. But with this, there is a major resemblance to Disturbed. This is because the album was produced by Disturbed vocalist David Draiman. He was a major influence on the vocals and structures in the album. Songs like 'No Way to Heal' and 'To Believe' are prime examples of this. But nonetheless, David's production has a large impact on the album, which promoted the mainstream sound of Vengeance Falls.
Vengeance Falls is Trivium's attempt at becoming a mainstream act. While many consider this a sellout, this album is getting more hate than it should be. A lack of Screaming and some simpler instrumental work doesn't exactly mean its mainstream and crap, but it means for a catchier release.
Recommended Tracks:
-Brave This Storm
-Strife
-To Believe
-Incineration: The Broken World
-As I Am Exploding
-Skulls... We Are 138
