All That Remains - This Darkened Heart
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Artist: All That RemainsBrand: Prosthetic Records
Edition: Music CD
CD Release Date: 2004-03-23
Music Label: Razor & Tie
Soundtracks:
- And Death In My Arms
- The Deepest Gray
- Vicious Betrayal
- I Die In Degrees
- Focus Shall Not Fail
- Regret Not
- Passion
- For Salvation
- Tattered On My Sleeve
- This Darkened Heart
Music reviews of This Darkened Heart
Music Review: Good album - All That Remains displays emense potential to be a force within metal
Rating: 4 Stars
There seems to be much debate as of recent over the use of the term "metalcore" in describing numerous bands sharing a sound within that particular genre. There appears to be some growing animosity between those who embrace the genre (and the label attached to it) and those who believe the more extreme metalcore bands are better described as thrash/speed metal. For the purposes of simplicity, I'll refer to All That Remains as a metalcore band in my review, as they display many elements characteristic of the genre in their most recent album "This Darkened Heart."
With "This Darkened Heart," All That Remains manages to deliver a powerful album displaying some innovative songwriting ability, as well as some fairly catchy songs. However, make no mistake about it, despite the catchy nature of some of the songs, "This Darkened Heart" is brutal album delivered with an in-genre intensity matched only by the likes of metalcore giants Lamb of God and Killswitch Engage. The highlights of the album include:
(a) The vocals. Clearly, Philip Labonte's vocals are the stand-out feature of "This Darkened Heart." Labonte sings with an intensity that comes from a place that I imagine would make most people cringe in fear. Far from the typical metalcore scream, his vocal style resembles a more guttural growl (without ever approaching the styling of death metal vocals). Perhaps most impressive, is the fact that Labonte doesn't appear to be "trying too hard" when he is singing/screaming. Rather, his screams appear to be unforced and natural, which is an unusual quality within the metalcore genre, as many vocalists sound as though they are tearing through their vocal cords as they force the most extreme screams within their ability (not that I mind this, I rather like it, but I have my concerns for their longevity as singers, as their vocal cords are undoubtedly sustaining heavy damage). Nonetheless, the vocals serve to lift "This Darkened Heart" above the level of a mediocre album. In addition, Labonte's voice allows All That Remains to retain an element of distinctiveness in their sound, allowing them to be distinguishable from other similar bands.
(b) The songwriting. "This Darkened Heart" displays a fairly amazing degree of songwriting ability. In addition, All That Remains prove that they are indeed excellent musicians. Though I wouldn't quite place the songwriting on "This Darkened Heart" on the level of "Ascendency" by Trivium, it is nonetheless an excellent album. Furthermore, "This Darkened Heart" seems to hint that even better albums lie ahead for All That Remains.
(c) The overall sound of the album. It should come as no surprise that the sound of the album is somewhat reminiscent of other metalcore bands in terms of its sound (i.e., guitar sound). However, the production is solid, and the musicianship is of a high quality. This is not an album that is repetitive, nor is it one that the listener will likely become bored with.
Despite being a good album, "This Darkened Heart" does have its flaws. Perhaps most noteworthy (and this is ironic giving Labonte's excellent abilities as a vocalist), is the fact that there are moments in the album where the vocals are absolutely horrid. The most notable of this occurs on "Focus Shall Not Fail" where Labonte abandons his deep and powerful guttural vocal style that seems to come so natural in favor of a more high- pitched scream/squeal that is almost painful to hear. It is unclear to me exactly why this vocal style was utilized here, as every other aspect of the song is brilliant (especially the clear vocals which make up the song's chorus). It is during this lone moment in the album that I am left with the thought that "this song sounds generic" (i.e., like any "typical" metalcore band). The only other flaw that I found on the album is an inconsistent quality in the songwriting. Despite having excellent songs, "This Darkened Heart" has its share of songs that the listener will likely skip over.
Overall, this is an essential album to own if you are a fan of metalcore (or thrash/speed metal if you prefer). In addition, I feel confident that All That Remains will continue to grow and expand, and will likely be one of the bands standing once the metalcore genre has faded in popularity.
Description of This Darkened Heart
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