Violation - Devoured

Metalcore, the genre that everyone seems to love to hate.  Even people raised on the stuff usually won't admit to liking it.  For all the negative connotations it's acquired, man is it satisfying when it's done right (to my ears, anyway).  This isn't the usual "Cro-Mags meets Slayer" sound of yore, nor is it the "At the Gates meets Throwdown" sound of today.  This particular cocktail sounds like equal parts late 90's Hatebreed and early 90's Sodom.  Close attention was paid to both the fast and slow parts, as they compliment each other nicely, and neither one outshines the other.  For a small-time band, the production here is quite good.  All instruments are clear and at the perfect volume, except for the clich'e "inaudible" bass.  The vocals are a special standout, being both highly intelligible and having an authoritative, throaty sound.  Really, the only thing missing on this album is some blazing solos.  Maybe, in time...

don't fear the mosh, my friend