The album opens in classic Bury Your Dead fashion with "Sympathy Orchestra," a cut that displays the band's signature crushing riffs, growled vocals, and precision drumming. This carries over into the second track, "Hands to Hide the Shame"; however, new pieces begin to enter the picture.
All of the songs are rather punishing, but some melodic elements seem to be creeping into their sound. The vocals are not always growled, some actual singing is being entered into the mix. Not only that, the guitars occasionally soften to join the melodic influences. There is even a single on the song "Year One," provided by Mark Tremonti of Alter Bridge. I am not sure what to think of that, Alter Bridge is not an act that comes to mind when I think of Bury Your Dead.
If I didn't know better, and I really don't, I'd say the band may actually be maturing. Youthful excesses of their prior albums slipping away as they move into the future? No, I don't think it is that extreme, but does seem apparent they are experimenting more with their songwriting and orchestrations. There is nothing wrong with that.
Do not be afraid, the music is still heavy and punishing, it is just a little more rounded. This may sound a little odd, but I read the band described as Sevendust on steroids; a comment that is somewhat accurate. That can be read as a negative, depending on your views of Sevendust, but it still works here, as strange as it sounds.
Bottomline. This is a good album, featuring solid musical performances, and great production quality. If you like heavy music, you should give these guys a shot. They will not redefine your world, but you just may find yourself getting into the catchy hardcore grooves.
Recommended.
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