by Walls of Jericho

Reviewed Angie Lau, age 18


This latest album from the Detroit female-fronted metalcore band opens up with a most pit-friendly song called (duh?) "All Hail the Dead." Candace Kucsulain's powerful voice impressed me; I noticed growth from her girlish screams in their previous albums. However, the lyrics disappointed me. After a two year hiatus, I thought the lyrics would display some stronger songwriting skills. Instead, the word: "F***" is littered everywhere along with the generic "I don't give a f***!" mantra. It goes well with her "F*** you!" theme, but those words are actually a step down from the words in their other albums.

In a couple of songs, Kucsulain sings (yes, sings!) some lovely melodies, and it's haunting in "1:43 A.M.." Wes Nightmare (of American Nightmare/Give Up the Ghost) lends his vocals and the two make a great duet. This band is known for it's political agenda, but the only political songs were "Revival Never Goes Out of Style" and "A Day and a Thousand Years." I guess they're going for the personal approach instead.

Here's the deal: I love their sound, but work on the lyrics.

Buy this CD now!