There is just something about having preconceptions about a band before hearing them that will ruin a cd if it is different from what was preconceved. Which creates an interesting problem when trying to review the album. Is the cd actually good, even though I don't like it? Or is my distaste reflective of an actual bad element of the music?
In the case of The Agony Scene, I think that the cd is good for what it is. However, the hype had me expecting something that wasn't delivered. The hype said that The Agony Scene blended European metal with American metal. Unfortunately the main European metal I have had the privilage to hear is a bunch of beautiful black metal, which I have a little hobby of collecting. There is nothing really that speaks of extreme metal on this cd.
There is a lot of low end "chugga chugga" which reminds me of some current American metalcore bands.If forced to categorize The Agony Scene, that is the genre I'd place them under. So I'm not really sure where the "European metal" label comes from, but it is sure as heck decieving from where I stood.
Disclaimer: I have not listened to a lot of non-black European metal, so there very well may be that influence there that I'm just not identifying.
Now that I've gotten that out of my system, there is still a lot here to enjoy for the hard music fan. The prevailant low end creates a lot of hardcore-like moments, as is typical of the metalcore genre. But there is also a nice balance of more intricate work so that it doesn't get too redundant.
The vocals have a Zao-esque appeal, especially from the "Parade of Chaos" era. They don't vary much throughout the disc, which is a disapointment. Portions of this disc remind me of a band called Falling Cycle, as they do a simular hybrid of hardcore and metal mix.
One of the coolest parts is a cover of the song, "Paint it Black", origionally written by The Rolling Stones. The track is very solid, and will be a nice novelty for huge Stones fans, as well as fitting in nicely with the rest of the cd for the hard music fans. Many of the metal heads unfamiliar with older music won't even realize that it's a cover, unless they read a review or liner notes.
All in all, despite my surprise at the stylistic leanings of the cd, this is a solid effort. The Agony Scene does what they do very solidly and fans of the genre should enjoy.
peace.
Article comments
1 - ryanbriones
yeah.. i wrote a review ( @craonline.org ) up on the Agony Scene. i, as well had preconcieved notions about the album, and was let down. i think whoever gave this album the "european" label probably is comparing them to In Flames, which in mho, they sound a lot like. Zao meets in In Flames as a matter of fact.
2 - The Theory
you could be right. I have heard of In Flames, but never listened to them. Let alone know what nationality they are. haha.
peace.
3 - The 1/3
Both The Agony Scene and The Death Campaign seem to sound somewhere in between Falling Cycle and Zao. I also downloaded some In Flames songs and thought they sounded a lot like Falling Cycle.
4 - Jason
The European metal you have not listened to includes bands like At The Gates, The Haunted, Arch Enemy... correct? Because if you have listened to these bands and find no obvious influence infused into The Agony Scene I am baffled. My only complaint about this album is that the vocals dont have enough range. The high/mid range he sings at work well but, there are times when I feel he should growl a bit lower. Maybe it is just my taste... all said I give this album a solid 9/10.
5 - Daniel LeFebvre
I am a big fan of In Flames as well as Zao so The Agony Scene is of particular interest to me after reading that they're apparently a blend between the two. I haven't heard much from the Scene, but am pleased with the little I have heard as well as their lead singer's contributions to Demon Hunter's latest.
6 - Beth
When I first heard this band, I almost instantly thought of some scandinavian metal bands i have heard. I do think they got some European influence, while they keep their American sound strong...
7 - Travis SHUT YOUR FACE
You guys are retarted Agony Scene rules and thats that no if ands or buts! Zao is def cool to but theres no freaking sound alikes and I am a Zao expert I should Freaking know
8 - Steveth
I was really pumped to see Agony Scene after hearing a couple songs from the webpage. I'm a fan of At The Gates and to hear something of that sound in an American band was hopeful. Unfortunately, when I saw them play in concert, the band did not deliver anything at all similar to the studio stuff. All I can say is that, they are produced very well in the studio. I'm not trying to be mean, but the guys look like a bunch of emo posers. The lead vocalist sounded like a screeching bat, it was awful. It must have been some technical wizardry that made his voice almost sound good on the album. Extol saved the day with an _awesome_ performance that actually sounded like their CD's.