Search - Mutiny Within :: Mutiny Within

Promising Indication of Things To Come

The Jotun | New Jersey, USA | 04/24/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Like many metalheads today, I am not exactly thrilled with the "mainstream" metal scene as of late. The past 5 years or so seems to have revolved around "modernization" of old sounds - particularly the sounds of Metallica and Pantera - cashed in for a younger audience (think more recent Bullet for my Valentine, Trivium, Five Finger Death Punch). Between this and the overdone and insipid thrash revival scene that is plaguing the metal underground at the moment, one must wonder if metal has begun to move backwards instead forwards. Which is why I found it very interesting that Roadrunner Records took interest in Mutiny Within - a young progressively minded metal band from Edison, New Jersey - which happens to be 15 minutes away from my own hometown. Their debut definitely is a good sign that a more forward thinking edge has entered the metal conscious, but there is definitely room for expansion that the bands big label ties with Roadrunner may be holding back from them.



Without intending to belittle much of the good press that has come in about the band recently with their "original" sound, Mutiny Within is actually in many ways a more "Americanized", if you will, adaptation of the current genre-bending trend in the Scandinavian melodeath scene in the past decade or so - beginning with one of MWs admitted idols Soilwork and expanded upon by bands such as Scar Symmetry, Into Eternity and Mercenary. As one may imagine based on their descriptions and influences, MW blends European melodeath aesthetics with American prog metal influences - the choruses at many times echo Dream Theater and Brandon Jacobs solos are often reminiscent of fellow Jerseyan Michael Romeo (Symphony X). This is not to say MW is a disorganized mashup of these two styles, however. What makes Mutiny Within different is their higher level of accessibility. There are a few psuedo-Gothenburg core riffs and chugs here that have actually led many to incorrectly label the band as "metalcore". The songs are also fairly short and structurally sonata form, which in my opinion is what really holds the band back, as the impressive technical ability of the band is obvious. However, considering this is a debut, I don't doubt that the band may begin working with more epic arrangements in the future.



Otherwise, the production is great, the songs are for the most part memorable and catchy and the musicianship is top notch. The guitar solos as previously mentioned are excellent and Drew Stavolas keyboards compliment very nicely. The rhythm section is tight and Chris Clancys' clean and death vocals are highly impressive. At points, particularly towards the end of the album, the songs can begin to sound a bit "same"-ish, which I once again attribute to what is mostly likely limits on the bands more progressive ambitions placed by Roadrunner. The strongest track here is unquestionably "Year of Affliction", and "Awake", "Images" and "Suffocate" also stand out. In short, Mutiny Withins debut is a very solid slab of metal which indicates great things to come in the future. Move over Jonas Brothers, Mutiny Within are Jerseys new favorite sons."

The Most Promising New Metal Band in a Very Long Time

David Johnson | 04/05/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Being from the old school of prog-metal (Maiden, Dream Theater...um...?)I've been impressed with many new metal bands on a strictly technical level. There's no question that bands like Scar Symmetry, Atreyu, or As I Lay Dying can play their asses off. What they lack is SOUL. And it's the one thing that Mutiny Within has in spades. Yes, they can play their asses off too (moreso than any of the above), but the vocals, melodies, and arrangements reveal something much deeper and heartfelt happening here.



This album is a near-perfect balance of dizzying time changes and rapid fire riffs, and (dare I say it?) pop-friendly hooks and choruses that get stuck in your head. It's comparable to Dream Theater's Train of Thought, or Soilwork's Natural Born Chaos. If I didn't know better, I'd swear that Mutiny Within was a seasoned band with about four albums under their belt. It's just THAT tight and THAT compelling.



Here's the other thing: the vocalist is the best I've heard in years. Beautiful voice that knows exactly when to rip into a death metal scream or growl, and when to tread lightly, with impeccable timing and sensitivity to the lyrics. I can't wait to see where these guys go, but for know, this debut is meaty enough to chew on for a few years.



Recommended for fans of Dream Theater, Iron Maiden, Queensryche, Soilwork, Symphony X, and In Flames."

One of the best albums in recent metal history!

Lisa Wheeler | 03/06/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mutiny Within seemingly came from out of nowhere and hit me dead in the face, and I have to say that it truly was love that first listen. Mutiny Within has become one of my favorite bands in just 48 hours of listening to the album continuously. Another score for Roadrunner Records.



Awake: A very catchy song with a beautiful intro that dives into a heavy, pounding riff that leads into the soaring vocals of the singer. The man has an insane range. The song has a gorgeous soaring chorus and overall is definitely the song that defines Mutiny Within's sound.



Images: From moment one, it's headbanging time. The riff at the beginning instantly catches your attention and then you're hooked for a wild ride that brings you into a melodic chorus and then keeps on chugging. The bass even gets some moments of glory with bass licks that rival those that you would hear in bands like Megadeth.



Falling Forever: The song begins with a nifty fade in and then all of a sudden, the singer hits a note of insane proportions. Then, the rest is all classic metal style riffs, licks, harmonies, and solos. The chorus almost has a Breaking Benjamin type sound to it.



Year of Affliction: The intro kicks off with a nice guitar harmony backed by a smooth double bass run, then fades into a quick piano break, and then springs back to life with a glorious guitar melody powered further by the soaring vocals.



Forsaken: A true melodic masterpiece. Begins with a lovely piano intro, then a beautiful guitar harmony, and then sails smoothly along the verses and then takes off flying with the chorus which ends with a powerful push from the singer, and the guitar solo is quite impressive as well.



Lethean: Kicks off right away with incredible sweep picking and pounding double bass drumming, and then the growling potential of the singer is what is focused on for the majority of the verses, then the swooning chorus kicks in and then you're thrown into the eye of a storm with a crazy guitar solo immediately following the first chorus and it just keeps getting better.



Oblivion: My personal favorite from this album. Starts off very melodic and then the singer begins and the rest of the instruments explode in unison along with him creating a perfect transition into the verses which brings you into a very catchy and well developed chorus. The guitar solos in this song are incredible and fit perfectly where they're placed. A fantastic listen every time.



Undone: Begins very upbeat and then continues to do so as the lyrics kick in and it takes on a classic hard rock sound and then kicks off into a great chorus which ends with a fantastic run from the lead guitarist. Then, as the song progresses, it leads into a beautiful melodic guitar solo that is both emotional and yet stays fast and upbeat.



Hours: The rhythm of this song is absolutely awesome on this trick. Every instrument contributes perfectly to create a heavy, crushing sound that make the vocals a force to be reckoned with as they soar over the instruments, which leads into a chorus that makes you feel as though you're flying. And of course the guitar solo is fantastic. Another favorite of mine from this album.



Suffocate: Starts off with a great keyboard intro that almost sounds videogame like at first, but then merges with the guitars and finally fires off into a crushing verse riff and electric, high energy chorus that would make any slow poke slam the gas on the road.



Reflections: Starts of slower and then explodes into a blazing fast drum fest with a powerful riff over the top and as the lyrics kick in, the drums on continue to get harder with double bass fills that would confuse many who would dare try to match the intense speed. The chorus is like a rollercoaster going up and down soaring and descending. And then as the song nears its conclusion, the solo emerges, glorious and complex which ends with a screaming divebomb and then cuts back to the chorus one more time to end the piece.



This album is incredible and one of the best things to recently come out in the metal world. It has plenty of heavy, thrashing material blended well with a hefty amount of melodic material as well. The guitarists shine bright and the keyboardist adds a unique sound to the music that makes it even more complex and intriguing. The singer has an amazing range able to soar like a bird and growl like a demon, and the drummer is devastating on tracks like Reflections and Awake. Mutiny Within has massive potential and will certainly be one that I'll be following closely from now on!"