Search - Harlots :: Betrayer

Definite Must-Listen for Metalcore fans

J. Anderson | Houston, TX | 01/25/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album completely blew me away the when the first track hit me. To call this band "heavy", "fast" and "intense" is an understatment.



Usually I dislike using comparisons, but because this band is all over the place style-wise, Ill have to compensate. This band has the chaotic guitar-play of Converge, Godspeed You Black Emperor! epic-sized solos, and insane Dillinger Escape Plan type timechanges, but still a VERY unique sound.



Take "Full body contortion" for example, it rolls along like a freight train, then it crashes, and these notes just attack you from all angles. The interplay between the instruments is astounding, and the vocals match the intensity of the instruments amazingly well. Christian's screaming doesnt get obnoxious like some metal-core I do enjoy, rather it is a compliment. Dont be misled, this is a metal-core band, but I feel they are pushing the genre, and are setting new standards.



"But will I like it?" you may ask. I feel like this is advanced listening for metal fans, for example if you like Metallica and Pantera, or even Tool, and just want something heavier and faster, this might be for you. Id wager a bet if you are already listening to this genre of music, this will be right up your alley.



Overall, this is probabaly one of the best albums Ive heard in a while. Id put it next to Converge's "Jane Doe", The Secret's "Luce" and Hacride's "Aomeba" as just a truly monumental exhibit of well crafted brutality."