dirtlits

After waiting two years since this San Diego metal/hardcore bands last release, the new album has finally arrived. After hearing two of the new tracks off this record at the Throwdown and All that Remains show a month or so ago, I knew what to expect with the new record. Since the last record, the band has 3 new members and As I Lay Dying has taken their sound and tightened it ... which has produced a far thicker and refined sound. Speaking of sound, the sound production is exceptional considering its a metal/hardcore album. All aspects of the music come through loud and clear, even if the signature "As I lay Dying" kick drum is a tad too loud.

Overall the album has some great tracks: Meaning In Tragedy, The Darkest Nights, The Truth Of My Perception, and Illusions are some of the best tracks on the record. Lambesis's vocals still carry a lot of anger and venom but after hearing some of the additional "singing" vocal overlays, you miss them on the other parts of the record. The only minor concern I had with this record is that after listening to it a few times, you feel as if they really could have pushed the song structure a little more. The addition of some signing to the record and some reduction in the "standard double-bass" drum work would have made this album fantastic. Once you listen to the record a few times you will find yourself checking out 4 or 5 tracks most of the time and bypassing the others.

7.5/10