Review Summary: Poseur metal's latest hit
A misclassification has long plagued the understanding of true metal enthusiasts: the genre known as metalcore. Metalcore is not true metal, nor will it ever be; it is a diluted blend that caters to mainstream tastes, more rightly termed poseur metal. Poseur metal lacks the authenticity, raw power, and unfiltered aggression that true metal embodies. Instead, it presents a watered-down version that appeals to those who do not grasp the complexities of authentic metal. The rise of poseur metal bands has led to a distortion of the genre, undermining the purity cherished by metal fans. It is crucial to recognize poseur metal for what it truly is: a weak attempt to adopt the metal aesthetic without embracing its fundamental principles.
Enter All That Remains, a band that has long navigated the thin line between genuine metal and poseur metal. With their latest album, "Antifragile," they deliver ten tracks that, while occasionally touching upon the essence of true metal, ultimately fall into the traps of poseur metal. The album opens with "Divine," a track that symbolizes the band's struggle to escape the confines of poseur metal. Its structure is formulaic, adhering to the predictable patterns typical of the genre. The riffs, though skillfully played, lack the innovation and ferocity of true metal. The vocals shift between melodic singing and harsh screams, a characteristic of poseur metal that doesn't capture the guttural intensity of authentic metal vocals.
Next is "Kerosene," a track that, despite its fiery title, fails to spark any real excitement. It exemplifies poseur metal's tendency toward superficial aggression, offering an illusion of intensity that lacks depth. The guitar work, although technically adept, lacks the soul and passion that true metal artistry demands. The drumming feels mechanical, devoid of the organic spontaneity that enlivens metal compositions. This track highlights the limitations of poseur metal, which prioritizes aesthetic over musical substance.
The title track, "Antifragile," aims to express resilience and strength. However, it is hindered by the conventions of poseur metal that the band struggles to surpass. With clichéd lyrics, predictable instrumentation, and an overall lack of the complexity found in true metal, it captures the band's ongoing challenge to establish their identity in a genre that lacks authenticity. "Forever Cold" further illustrates the constraints of poseur metal. The track attempts to evoke desolation and bleakness but is rendered ineffective by polished production and a formulaic structure. Its emotional impact is shallow, failing to resonate deeply. The song epitomizes poseur metal's inability to express genuine emotion, presenting instead a sanitized and commercially viable imitation.
The album ends with "Blood & Stone," a track that shows hints of potential but ultimately falls into the same traps as the rest of the album. While its heavier moments suggest an understanding of true metal dynamics, these instances are brief and overshadowed by the band's reliance on poseur metal conventions. The result is a song that lacks direction, balancing between authenticity and artifice without fully committing to either.
Antifragile illustrates the limitations of poseur metal. Although All That Remains displays technical skill and occasional signs of genuine metal sensibility, they are ultimately restricted by the genre they occupy. The album serves as evidence that, regardless of a band's intent, poseur metal can never attain the authenticity, raw power, and unfiltered aggression that characterize true metal. It is a genre that, by its very nature, remains a pale imitation, perpetually on the outskirts of the metal hierarchy.
Metalcore is not metal; it is inauthentic and superficial, and in fact, fake poseur ***e.