When I received
The Unbeliever I expected a run-of-the-mill metal album. I didn't get exactly what I expected. I had to listen again, closer, before I pinpointed part of what had made me take note - a decent metal album made more interesting by some unusual production.
The singer is the least important factor in the music, as far as I can tell. In my opinion rightly so. Whilst the vocals are typical for a metal band, the music is far more intriguing. The drums and the bass are what drive this album.
The opening track of
The Unbeliever draws some comparison to Godspeed but as soon as the song kicks in the similarity ends. The songs are very big on intro's and outro's and I really enjoyed where the music was going during these thirty second bites; but a little disappointingly the main body of the songs are standard hardcore metal. Some beats and rhythms are used to death and there is, on occasion, a definite air of 'sameyness'.
Now I am, by no means, well-versed in the metal scene. I know bits and pieces of what I like and there are bits of this album I definitely like. The driving bass and guitars, the fast-paced drums (rather reminiscent of Huckadoo - no bad thing!) and the unusual production which forefronts the music rather than the vocals really allow the listener to get a feel for the sound this band are trying to produce. However possibly my favourite bit of this album are the opening and closing thirty seconds of the songs.
I can't tell you this album will change your life. I can't even promise it'll find a place in your 'great album' list. I can tell you I think it's worth a listen. For the intro's and outro's alone it's worth an hour of your time. I can also tell you I'll be watching this band with interest - mainly to see what they evolve into.
The Unbeliever is out now on 'In At The Deep End' records
www.shapedbyfate.com
