Search - Poison the Well :: You Come Before You

Poison the Well - You Come Before You

Ryan | NH | 12/30/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ah, Poison the Well. Every genre needs a band people can easily point to as an indicator of what other bands in the genre should strive for; for hardcore, that bands remains Poison the Well. This is their third release, and their first on a major label. This didn't phase me in the least, because if you've heard their last two albums, it's a pretty safe bet their not changing their style for anyone, and thank God. The only difference I immediately noticed was the sound quality: it is much improved here as compared to "Opposite of December" and "Tear From the Red." This was a wonderous discovery as I first played through this album a while back; now the sound just pummels you and never lets up. Poison the Well still has some of the best vocals in hardcore, period (and this doesn't change from the last two albums). This album mixes more melodic parts in with the screaming (which, as always, is the standard style), and they are placed perfectly (don't think this is all melodic though because they've changed labels...screaming is still the standard style). I couldn't ask for better placement. Poison the Well's lead singer always maintains that he never tries to place the melodic parts in with the heavy parts; it just happens, and it appears so natural it's beautiful.I actually like the vocals more on this album than the last two. They just seem perfect, and the improved sound quality really brings out his scream (I saw someone compare it to Atreyu, I think this is somewhat okay, but Atreyu's is almost a spoken growl, where this is full-out screaming with a guttural feel). The music is also almost perfect through the whole album. Let's break it down:The good about "You Come Before You":
Did I mention the vocals? Wow. If you like hardcore/metal/metalcore (or heavy music with screaming) you will love this. These are just plain awesome vocals with impressive lyrical content to back it up. There are few bands who cane claim to have such impressive vocals, so if you're into the genre, but have yet to hear Poison the Well, stop waiting because you're doing yourself a disservice. Oh, and the music? Perfect as well. The music is forceful and driving throughout, with some perfectly placed softer spots with some melody. You can't ask for more here. "Ghostchant" hits hard and this album never stops. "Loved Ones" is probably one of my favorite tracks: the vocals here just give me chills they're so good, and lyrics that are thoughtful and bring out the rage of the singer even more ("If I could flip this table, I'd stab you, I'd stab you with every word that lied its way out of your head"). There is no letting up though after that onslaught. When we get to "Meeting Again for the First Time" we get a false sense of security as it starts nice and slow with some nice singing until it explodes into a frenzy of emotion. Beautifully done. "Apathy Is a Cold Body" also stands out as a great track (then again, they all do). This song is a 5 minute gem that really shows how well they mix melodic singing in with some of the most intense screaming in hardcore.Few albums will give you such impressive vocals (this guy has some serious talent...as well as some serious anger) throughout the entire album. They continue to improve their playing as well, and the music will pummel you throughout, offering only small sanctuaries and only for a short time before you're right back into it. Hardcore doesn't get much better than this. These guys continue to show why they are considered the leading hardcore band.The bad:
"The Opinionated Are So Opinionated" is a softer instrumental track, and I think it's well placed in the album, but I know they could have done better for a soft, melodic instrumental track. Not to say it's bad, but I know it could be better, and I usually end up skipping it. Besides this, I can't find much to complain about. It delivers just what it should and does it like only Poison the Well can.Recap:
Poison the Well has always been that band people point to in hardcore (or so it seems). Many consider them the leader of the hardcore charge, and I can't really see a reason to disagree. They are most certainly one of the most talented hardcore bands around. If you're into hardcore, pick this up, you'll love it. And if you're a Poison the Well fan from the last two albums, don't even hesitate here: go buy it, they have lost nothing from their move to a major. Lyrically sound, vocally superior, and musically excellent just about sums up this album. A must for any fan of heavy music.Overall rating: 94/100"

Thank God for Poison the Well

S. MacDonald | Moorpark, CA United States | 07/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Poison the Well's newest release is their fist on a major label, but don't expect to see them to make an appearance on TRL. This album is more dynamic than their others, with more singing and melodic interludes but also harder-hitting guitars and drumming. Also, the vocalist seems to have changed his screaming style; now it seems more like a growl(think of Atreyu). Still the best screaming i've ever heard. If you've never heard Poison the Well before, don't be surprised by the fact that screaming is the normal vocal style. I bought their first cd a while back and I totally had the wrong impression of them. I thought they would sound a lot like Thursday, mostly melodic with a few really hardcore parts. I could not have been more wrong, because I think this band is heavier than Slipknot with just some melody added in to make it interesting. If you like Thrice, try this band.If you have heard Poison the Well already, or have one of their cd's then think about it like this. The Opposite of December is thought to be their best album, because it's 28 minutes of heavy, memorable parts. Tear From the Red was a step in a new direction; it was more dynamic but people didn't like it as much because it sounded less inspired. You Come Before You incorporates both the dynamics and the inspiration and is just a great album (their longest yet, 43 minutes).Just go buy it, you'll be impressed. Let's hope the new Thrice album is as good..."

One of the best albums I have discovered recently

Mahfuzul Alam | London, England | 03/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Poison the Well- whether or not you heard of them or listened them before, in my opinion they are simply awesome. Although most of the PTW fans keep moaning 'oh this is emo', 'oh this is softy metalcore crap'. IT ISN'T! Grow up people! great bands like PTW doesnt write or produce music to suit ur restricted music taste. if they did it would only be unoriginal, same old commercialised screamo and hardcore noise. this album clearly tells how styles of music change, feelings change, emotions change. 'you came before you' is more emotional, darker and powerful than their other albums branded 'screamo'. This is post hardcore stuff. read the lyrics of the songs, especially 'apathy is a cold body' which gave me chills!



i listen to mostly hardcore/heavy/metalcore/death metal. i dont think PTW by ANY CHANCE sounds emo. bands like atreyu, bullet for my valentine, etc are emo. when people just label or brand great music to something it totally isn't it insults true fans.



If you like metal, hardcore/post hardcore, screamo then definitely buy this album."