Review:
As I started sorting through my newest and biggest pile of reviews to date I began to get discouraged when I was sifting through bad metalcore after bad metalcore. Then I stumbled upon the new Merauder record. I knew it was coming out but didn't know when or that it was going to be this soon. Needless to say my eyes opened a mile wide and I started listening to it immediately. I probably should have saved this for last since this is by far going to blow anything else I listen to away.
I expected this record to be good but not on the level that it turned out to be. I had the chance to hear 2 new tracks when I saw the band open for Obituary last year. I was impressed but still wanted to hear the rest of the album. I still had the disappointing Bluetality in the back of mind so I wasn't quick to start the bandwagon of awesome just yet. Now that I've had the opportunity to hear this full record, consider the wagon rolling. This album is super fucking heavy and a return to the form of the Merauder I've always loved. It actually reminds me a lot of the newest Earth Crisis. The styling is still Merauder but they've added a chunkiness that is new to their styling. They have breakdowns with grooves like Hatebreed that are fused in with that ever-so-present metal influence that Merauder has always had. This is the way that metalcore is suppose to sound.
Jorge Rosado, the most constant fixture of the band, never sounded more amazing on the microphone. His voice has progressed over the years and has now, in my mind, has finally reached its full potential. His voice is harsher and thicker than it ever has been. He even has taken a little bit away from his time in the Ragmen and added some clean vocals into the mix. Now I know what you are thinking but I'd compare it to 100 Demons when they decided to incorporate that element. The cleans aren't really clean at all. Jorge remains harsh and these parts only occur in short bursts. The band remains heavy throughout so the song isn't ruined by any means.
This is running neck and neck with the new Earth Crisis as my favorite record of the year. Fans of the older material will be impressed. While it's not near as memorable as Master Killer it's definitely heavier and still a great release from a great band. I haven't stop listening to it much in the last few days. It really bothers me when I have to get professional and take this out of the player to ruin my ear drums with some of the other material that I have to listen to.
Go pick this up when it comes out and never stop moshing.
Your Profile/Options: [
Offline
14 
Online
