Krazycev13
11/02/09, 02:17 PM
At the Throne of Judgment - The Arcanum Order
Record Label: Rise Records
Release Date: July 24, 2007
Lebanon, Ohio, natives At the Throne of Judgment may just seem like some other melodeath/deathcore/metalcore/etc. band. But don't be fooled by the genre labels: this band is worth listening to.
I will start with the not-so-good part. The album gets a little bit redudant. Sometimes, you may go to your iPod and make sure you have your repeat to "repeat all" or "off", and not "repeat one". But this twelve song CD (minus piano pieces "Cacophonous" and "Outro") sounds a lot alike. The songs frequently contain similar breakdowns and extremely similar guitar riffs. Although the guitar work is quite impressive, the lasting value of the riffs tends to fade slowly as you listen song to song. If you aren't a fan of any repetition whatsoever, stop reading this review now, and don't even think of this album or band again.
There were two things, however, that really stood out to me on this album: vocals and lyrics. Sure, the drumming isn't horrible (not in the slightest), but the vocals really stand out. Any fan of synchronized growls and high screams will fall head-over-heels for this album. The lyrics are quite deep, and there isn't a single profane word in this album, so parents, you can have one more breath of fresh air when your kids ask for a clean album. Heavy metalheads will likely fall in love with this solid debut.
Overall, this album is not incredibly outstanding, but it certainly isn't one you should pass up. I'd highly recommend going out and picking this up, or at least getting the standout tracks. "Martyrdom; Ruin of Gaia" is one of the not-so-many songs with unique guitar riffs and awesome growled vocals and high screams. It also has amazing drumming that isn't over done in the slightest. "Delphic Star" has some of the best vocals on the album and great blast beats, since they aren't in every song. Lastly, "The Mariner's Cutlass" contains a syncopated rhythm that is both incredibly strange and incredibly awesome-sounding.
But if you are thinking about writing these guys off, since they are (for the release of this album) signed to Rise Records, reconsider. Even if you hate all of Rise's bands (which you shouldn't, but it's your choice), don't write this album off. These guys do not fit the Rise Records stereotype, which includes crunkcore group Watchout! There's Ghosts, the crabcore group Attack Attack! (I like them, but this site doesn't), and (formerly) the synthcore band Breathe Carolina.
Pros: Vocals, lyrics, drumming, cool guitar riffs
Cons: Slightly repetitive (primarily guitar riffs), a little too stereotypical "melodeath" sound, sometimes containing over-performed drumming
Bring Me the Horizon; Miss May I; August Burns Red; As I Lay Dying; The Devil Wears Prada ;Suicide Silence
Record Label: Rise Records
Release Date: July 24, 2007
Lebanon, Ohio, natives At the Throne of Judgment may just seem like some other melodeath/deathcore/metalcore/etc. band. But don't be fooled by the genre labels: this band is worth listening to.
I will start with the not-so-good part. The album gets a little bit redudant. Sometimes, you may go to your iPod and make sure you have your repeat to "repeat all" or "off", and not "repeat one". But this twelve song CD (minus piano pieces "Cacophonous" and "Outro") sounds a lot alike. The songs frequently contain similar breakdowns and extremely similar guitar riffs. Although the guitar work is quite impressive, the lasting value of the riffs tends to fade slowly as you listen song to song. If you aren't a fan of any repetition whatsoever, stop reading this review now, and don't even think of this album or band again.
There were two things, however, that really stood out to me on this album: vocals and lyrics. Sure, the drumming isn't horrible (not in the slightest), but the vocals really stand out. Any fan of synchronized growls and high screams will fall head-over-heels for this album. The lyrics are quite deep, and there isn't a single profane word in this album, so parents, you can have one more breath of fresh air when your kids ask for a clean album. Heavy metalheads will likely fall in love with this solid debut.
Overall, this album is not incredibly outstanding, but it certainly isn't one you should pass up. I'd highly recommend going out and picking this up, or at least getting the standout tracks. "Martyrdom; Ruin of Gaia" is one of the not-so-many songs with unique guitar riffs and awesome growled vocals and high screams. It also has amazing drumming that isn't over done in the slightest. "Delphic Star" has some of the best vocals on the album and great blast beats, since they aren't in every song. Lastly, "The Mariner's Cutlass" contains a syncopated rhythm that is both incredibly strange and incredibly awesome-sounding.
But if you are thinking about writing these guys off, since they are (for the release of this album) signed to Rise Records, reconsider. Even if you hate all of Rise's bands (which you shouldn't, but it's your choice), don't write this album off. These guys do not fit the Rise Records stereotype, which includes crunkcore group Watchout! There's Ghosts, the crabcore group Attack Attack! (I like them, but this site doesn't), and (formerly) the synthcore band Breathe Carolina.
Pros: Vocals, lyrics, drumming, cool guitar riffs
Cons: Slightly repetitive (primarily guitar riffs), a little too stereotypical "melodeath" sound, sometimes containing over-performed drumming
Bring Me the Horizon; Miss May I; August Burns Red; As I Lay Dying; The Devil Wears Prada ;Suicide Silence