Metalcore, metalcore, metalcore… what in the hell are we going to do with metalcore? It seems in metalcore you either have the same old thing like 85% of the bands out there or you have groups that are willing to explore and try new sounds to freshen up a genre that is becoming associated with backyard amateur time. Fortunately the Edmonton based band ALL ELSE FAILS has found a formula that creates a melodic grungy sound, but keeps the energy and rawness of true metalcore.
www.myspace.com/alleslefailscanada explains the band is socially conscious and poetic in their quest for lyrics with apocalyptic symbolism. Having been compared to KILLSWITCH ENGAGE in the past I personally feel it would be based on their energetic stage show they displayed on the VAN WARPS TOUR.
The album begins with a long orchestra inspired piece appropriately named OVERTURE. Although the song was well done and a nice piece of music it didn’t set the tone for the energy the rest of the album contained. It did show diversity in their music and is only an intro, but with the amount of less talented bands using the strange “off” sound intro ALL ELSE FAILS didn’t really need to go down that road.
More after the warp:
THE ORACLE: WHAT WAS IS AND COULD HAVE BEEN amazed me with the grungy sound to songs like MONSTER EATS THE PILOT and SLUDGE FACTORY. The songs to me had the core grunge sound of the 90s, but with the metal tones necessary to make it palatable to my ears. I actually put in my notes that if KURT COBAIN had lived and wanted to change up his sound AEF is what it would sound like. Although many spit in the face of grunge because it helped kill metal in the 90s you still have to admit to many similarities.
FALLEN was a great display of the death inspired growl and clean melodic vocals that most people are going to associate with the band. Not only do they blend the vocals together to create the melodic side, but they at times duel against each other and create a harshness that is heart stopping. To capture this energy in the studio leads you to believe that their live show has to be an amazing experience.
The unusual side of ALL ELSE FAILS shows it head again on the title track THE ORACLE. This spoken word piece is very creepy and well done. I would have loved for this to be the opening track as it would have set the mood for the unexpected and changed my fear to anticipation. I hate to fall back on the live show, but to have THE ORACLE open up a set is something that arena shows are made of.
ALL ELSE FAILS is a brand of metal that represents brutality, melody, and freshness that is well captured on THE ORACLE: WHAT WAS IS AND COULD HAVE BEEN. To answer my earlier question: What are we going to do with metalcore? Go to an ALL ELSE FAILS show and jump in the pit.
8.0 OUT OF 10 HORNS
Show me your horns,
Martell
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