Photo Credit: [www.thepowerlessrise.com]
Following 2007's release of An Ocean Between Us, it would seem that As I Lay Dying had created a tough album to follow. But what better way to do it than to pay homage to earlier recordings while still proving that they've matured as a band and thus evolved beyond their previous sounds? While An Ocean Between Us really turned the tables for the band and allowed them to start getting the recognition they deserved, it can't be compared to what they've achieved with The Powerless Rise.
As I Lay Dying first paired with producer Adam Dutkiewicz (Adam D.) for An Ocean Between Us and following the success of the album, Dutkiewics returned to produce The Powerless Rise. Dutkiewics is a guitarist and back-up vocalist for Killswitch Engage and has produced all of the bands albums except their 2009 release, Killswitch Engage, not to mention the many other bands ranging from Underoath and Aftershock to All That Remains and Austrian Death Machine. Furthermore, it can't hurt that this is the first album that As I Lay Dying hasn't seen a change in members.
Within the new album, the sound even ventures from metalcore to death metal. Tim Lambesis shows off his lung capacity combined with his melodious, gruff growls once again while managing to present a wider, more exhilarating range. "The Only Constant is Change" and "The Blinding of False Light" show the intensity of the layering as Lambesis's voice is made to sound like an army of voices.
One of the only ways the album could have been better, even with Lambesis's more balanced range, is if it utilized the stunning melodies of bassist and back-up vocalist Josh Gilbert to the full extent since his vocals are less present in this album. "Parallels" draws back to An Ocean Between Us as it flaunts the unique dynamic between Gilbert and Lambesis.
"Beyond Our Suffering" and "Condemned" are no doubt the heaviest, most memorable songs on the album. Both highlight the powers of Jordan Mancino's progressive beats, which are almost contagious as he pushes the songs with unwavering force.
Nick Hipa and Phil Sgrosso carry infectious melodies and breathtaking riffs throughout the album, but their dexterity can best be heard in "Without Conclusion" and "The Plague."
The lyrics leave little to be desired as each song seems to tell a story. According to the band's Myspace blog, "all of the songs tie together lyrically." The album title came from the song, "Upside Down Kingdom." According to an interview with Brian Slagel for Metal Blade Records, Lambesis said Duktiewicz pulled the title from the lyrics, "Simplicity is not a curse where strength is humbled, and the powerless rise (the powerless rise)."
Nevertheless, the new release is sure to garner the results the band has long deserved.
Track Listing:
1. Beyond Our Suffering
2. Anodyne Sea
3. Without Conclusion
4. Parallels
5. The Plague
6. Anger and Apathy
7. Condemned
8. Upside Down Kingdom
9. Vacancy
10. The Only Constant is Change
11. The Blinding of False Light
The Verdict: I may be biased as a hardcore fan, but I've listened to nothing else since I clicked to complete my pre-order on iTunes Monday night at 11 p.m. With the pre-order, I got a "Condemned (Gunfight Mix)" and I was caught a little off guard by the chants, growls and sound-effects, but it is, by far, my absolute favorite song on the album.
Best Paired With: Cool Tour 2010 tickets to look forward to seeing them in person and a copy of the album. Just looking to test it out? Download: "Condemned," "Parallels" and "The Only Constant is Change."
No comments:
Post a Comment