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I must have been living under a rock, at least a rock that prevented me from hearing As I Lay Dying. It seems everyone has heard of the Californian metalcore band except me, but as they say, better late than never. Vocals are perhaps the main drawcard of the album for me. Lead vocalist Tim Lambesis is on top form and grunts and shouts his way through the songs with ease and is in perfect harmony with the music. Without a shadow of a doubt though, clean vocalist and bassist Josh Gilbert makes this album his own. Many bands have tried the combination of harsh and clean vocals and no doubt countless more will try, but never has the balance been so perfect as with AOBU. Used primarily in choruses, Gilbert has a fantastic vocal range and adds such a boost to the songs that lead vocalist Lambesis couldn't do alone. Although Gilbert's strong American accent might annoy some people and give nightmares of emo/punk American bands, I personally find it perfect, especially on the title track An Ocean Between Us. Massive highlight is Forsaken, especially in the song's last 1/3 but set your face to stunned for I Never Wanted, a deeply introspective track that builds up to a finale that will stick in your memory like an axe. Guitar work is simply sublime, a strong sense of harmony and a sound that makes full use of the duel guitars, all this and a very cool guitar tapping interlude Departed and your really not left wanting. Same goes for unsung hero Jordan Mancino on the drums. There is so much going on in the music you sometimes forget how good this guy is, but make the time to listen to the outstanding work. Not a weak track and a journey from start to end. This is in some ways the new era of heavy metal that incorperates both the past and the new, put simply, we have a very fresh and enthusiastic album from As I Lay Dying. Disillusioned by today's heavy metal scene? Sick of everyone copying each other? Bored of cheesy power metal bands? Tired of operatic metal with too many keyboards? Hate overlong, boring progressive metal? Want to remember why you listen to heavy metal in the first place? Get An Ocean Between Us, it's that simple. |
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Killing Songs : An Ocean Between Us, Forsaken, I Never Wanted, This Is Who We Are |
Joe quoted 95 / 100 | |||||
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