Devil Wears Prada, The - Plagues

[Dystroxia]

The Devil Wears Prada - Plagues
Record Label: Rise Records
Release Date: August 21, 2007

Forming in 2005, and then releasing their debut album Dear Love: A Beautiful Discord, The Devil Wears Prada made an outstanding debut in 2006. They now have Plagues and With Roots Above and Branches Below. WRAaBB will get reviewed soon, just not now. Anyway, this is another great album from the Dayton, Ohio, band, who stay faithful once more to their Christian belief but is it a good album? Yes it is, in fact.

On to the album. If you notice, it doesn't have an opening song like Dear Love. Instead, there's "Goats on a Boat", obviously the opener. It's a good song with a cool breakdown but there are better tracks, like "Number Three, Never Forget" a fantastic song with Jeremy DePoyster starting out with his clean vocals, then Mike Hranica jumping in with his screamed vocals along with the nice drums and guitar pounding on their own. "Don't Dink and Drance", however, is my least favorite song. The first 30 seconds are good but the song is just boring after that.

"You Can't Spell Crap Without C" has Craig Owens formerly from Chiodos, and his vocals are decent in the middle. The "keyboard" song, a.k.a. "This Song is Called", is a good song despite it being unoriginal other than the above average keyboard playing in the beginning. "The Scorpion Deathlock" is my favorite track, with Hranica's vocals screaming: "Plagues enclose / Sitting upon this wooden bench, I am helpless to billions of bullets / In this moment I am helpless / Why is it so difficult to see ourselves?" The lyrics are good, and they're not bad like most bands either. Some of the lyrics on Plagues probably won't make sense at all, but still good and not below average. "Nickels Is Money, Too" ends the album, and it's a good song but nothing special. Fans of DePoyster however will like this song.

TDWP can play but nothing is mediocre or outstanding, just average...but is it creative? No, not really. Is it original? No. That's the problem. Just like blessthefall and AA, they're just not original. They use breakdowns in every single song, but do strive from the choruses in their songs (except track #10), which to me is a good thing, because it keeps the song structure flowing. TDWP is an above average band, but that's all. The sound quality, however is good but not the best. The 2007 art cover is also better, just saying. Nevertheless, it's another bang from The Devil Wears Prada, who come back with another good release. The Dayton crew score, and they're not backing down off my playlist, even after almost 2 1/2 years of Plagues releasing.

Underoath; Bring Me the Horizon (as I've been told, so not true); an above average metalcore band

www.myspace.com/tdwp (http://www.myspace.com/tdwp)

Hey John, What's Your Name Again; This Song is Called; The Scorpion Deathlock

[Jeremy Aaron]

I couldn't care less about this band or album, but I have to say this. If you think there's at least something shitty on every album that's out there, you either need to listen to a lot more albums or expand your tastes a little, because you're missing out, dude.

[singyoutocoma]

Your opening paragraph is obnoxious. Everyone knows which album you're reviewing; we read that when clicking the link to open the review. And as for the Christianity thing, if you're sincere, that's an understatement that comes off as ditzy as hell, and if not, it's remarkably witless sarcasm. Unless their Christianity actually affects the CD, then just shut up about it; it's neither helpful background nor good writing.

Also, I have no idea why you thought it was a good idea to dictate your stream of consciousness verbatim, but typically phrases like "I mean" are eliminated during the revision process. If the prior statement is so unclear as to require such an explanation, revise the prior statement.

Lest you think I really get off on being an asshole, I'll stop there. Keep trying; there's a lot in here that could have used some further revision.

[NateFoundGlory]

Your opening paragraph is obnoxious. Everyone knows which album you're reviewing; we read that when clicking the link to open the review. And as for the Christianity thing, if you're sincere, that's an understatement that comes off as ditzy as hell, and if not, it's remarkably witless sarcasm. Unless their Christianity actually affects the CD, then just shut up about it; it's neither helpful background nor good writing.

Also, I have no idea why you thought it was a good idea to dictate your stream of consciousness verbatim, but typically phrases like "I mean" are eliminated during the revision process. If the prior statement is so unclear as to require such an explanation, revise the prior statement.

Lest you think I really get off on being an asshole, I'll stop there. Keep trying; there's a lot in here that could have used some further revision.

Pretty much all of this.

[Colinreturn]

"who stay faithful once more to the Christian belief, which I believe is a good thing, don't you think? Of course!"

you either have the mindset of a 14 year old christian girl or a completely witless moron

[singyoutocoma]

Pretty much all of this.
What a great avatar.

[rawspinner]

You're 16. Keep working on your writing craft. It comes with practice.

[exploration #4]

I like those lyrics, and they're not shitty like most, either. I mean, some of them probably won't make sense at all, but they're still good.
excuse me?

[gjpinizz]

this review was pretty inappropriate...

[Akissforher]

'"You Can't Spell Crap Without C" has Craig Owens formerly from Chiodos'

[denissuxx]

awful

[npmshah]

yeah... this review sucked. No offense, but you REALLY need to improve your writing style.

Also:
Where is the RIYL?
that, for me, is one of the most important peices in a review.

[SpyKi]

I couldn't care less about this band or album, but I have to say this. If you think there's at least something shitty on every album that's out there, you either need to listen to a lot more albums or expand your tastes a little, because you're missing out, dude.
What I was going to say. There's loads of albums without any filler or bad tracks. I feel bad for this guy if his favorite album has a song on it he doesn't like.

[Domenic182]

Definitely obvious that a 16 year old wrote this.

[crimes]

how many album covers are there to this album?

[Metal Now]

I couldn't care less about this band or album, but I have to say this. If you think there's at least something shitty on every album that's out there, you either need to listen to a lot more albums or expand your tastes a little, because you're missing out, dude.
Exactly what I thought reading this.

[Smeee]

I enjoy this album. Not as much as I used to but I'll still go back to it every now and again. Definitely growing out of this genre.

In regards to the review, it's not great. I probably share the band's beliefs but there's no need to bash people over the head with them in the first paragraph. You sound pretty aggressive there. Your writing style is far too immature and focuses too heavily on comparisons. I know you're young, so there is an explanation for that, but you really need to improve.

[thatkidantwan]

Writing was a tad bad, but that just goes with the bad album. Keep working on your writing style, join journalism in your school or a class similiar to it.

[Xianmusicfan]

Guys, he's not writing a paper here, it's an opinion put to paper, or in this case a forum thread. Give him a break.
That being said, I have little to no interest in this band and don't really care about that review either.

"who stay faithful once more to the Christian belief, which I believe is a good thing, don't you think? Of course!"

you either have the mindset of a 14 year old christian girl or a completely witless moron
'Cause you know, sticking to what you believe in all you do instead of selling out is such a witless move. I can't believe those silly Christians and their "values" and "holding firm to their beliefs." How stupid of them.

[live.]

Not quite there yet. Keep reading other reviews for inspiration, man.


Also, easy, on, the, commas, you, don't, need them, as much as you, think.

[schenksta]

how many album covers are there to this album?
I think there's only 2. This one and the re-issue one

[Jeremy Aaron]

Not quite there yet. Keep reading other reviews for inspiration, man.


Also, easy, on, the, commas, you, don't, need them, as much as you, think.
Grammar errors would be my fault as these go through me first. (The writer's actual opinion and tone is all his own.) If you're referring to the commas after three consecutive words in the introductory paragraph, yes, they're all required. If a state follows a town within it, it should be offset with commas on both sides.

[i_was_a_lid]

Don't Dink and Drance is the best song on the record... in my opinion.

[live.]

Grammar errors would be my fault as these go through me first. (The writer's actual opinion and tone is all his own.) If you're referring to the commas after three consecutive words in the introductory paragraph, yes, they're all required. If a state follows a town within it, it should be offset with commas on both sides.
Nope, I'm aware of that rule. I was talking about his use of sentence structures that need a bunch of commas, rather than whether or not a comma is required. I don't know why I posted it the way I did.

[Yellowcard2006]

Please don't say you think that there is a bad song on every album. Ugh.

Also your style is too conversational and doesn't go into enough detail about the actual music.

[jmo182]

i like the record, but i don't think its good. if that makes any sense.

[singyoutocoma]

Grammar errors would be my fault as these go through me first. (The writer's actual opinion and tone is all his own.) If you're referring to the commas after three consecutive words in the introductory paragraph, yes, they're all required. If a state follows a town within it, it should be offset with commas on both sides.
Some grammar things that may have been missed, fyi.

"Number Three, Never Forget" is fantastic, with Jeremy DePoyster starting the song with his vocals, then Mike Hranica jumps in with his screamed vocals, with the malicious drums and guitar pounding on their own little beat.
The verb switch in the list should remain either all participle or all simple, right?

The "keyboard" song, a.k.a. "This Song is Called" is a good song, despite it being unoriginal other than the above average keyboard playing in the beginning.
Shouldn't the appositive have commas on both sides?

I like those lyrics, and they're not shitty like most, either.
Why the comma after "most"?

And then there are wording things. Are you spared from that sort of editing? If so, this is for the writer's benefit, not yours.

...but we're reviewing their sophomore album Plagues.
"We"?

I mean, they can play, but is it creative? In some sort, yes.
This isn't idiomatic. It's typical to see "in some sense..."

They use breakdowns in every single song, but do strive from the choruses in their songs (except track #10), which to me is a good thing, because it keeps the song structure flowing.
Songs can flow; song structures can't. (This may be nitpicking.) As for the first bold, I simply have no idea what the hell that means.

[Jeremy Aaron]

Some grammar things that may have been missed, fyi.


The verb switch in the list should remain either all participle or all simple, right?


Shouldn't the appositive have commas on both sides?


Why the comma after "most"?

And then there are wording things. Are you spared from that sort of editing? If so, this is for the writer's benefit, not yours.


"We"?


This isn't idiomatic. It's typical to see "in some sense..."


Songs can flow; song structures can't. (This may be nitpicking.) As for the first bold, I simply have no idea what the hell that means.
If it came to me like it is now, I probably would have noticed those things. I don't think people understand what some of these look like when they arrive in queue. I'm not sure whether I sympathize with all the teachers out there or hate them for not teaching kids basic composition. The concept of proofreading seems to be lost on most, too. Oh, well. Tenses and commas are the least of this writer's worries, I'm afraid.

[oncedarkness]

If it came to me like it is now, I probably would have noticed those things. I don't think people understand what some of these look like when they arrive in queue. I'm not sure whether I sympathize with all the teachers out there or hate them for not teaching kids basic composition. The concept of proofreading seems to be lost on most, too. Oh, well. Tenses and commas are the least of this writer's worries, I'm afraid.
Proofreading is pretty much dead. The thing that I can't stand is the amount of spelling/grammatical errors in many of the album booklets coming out now. How hard would it be to double check that "your" and "you're" is being used in the right context?

[singyoutocoma]

If it came to me like it is now, I probably would have noticed those things. I don't think people understand what some of these look like when they arrive in queue. I'm not sure whether I sympathize with all the teachers out there or hate them for not teaching kids basic composition. The concept of proofreading seems to be lost on most, too. Oh, well. Tenses and commas are the least of this writer's worries, I'm afraid.
Fair enough. Didn't mean to dump all that on you. You're a great writer, one of my staff favorites, and from the sounds of it, your work in salvaging this one to even this degree is pretty impressive. (What I wouldn't give to have been a fly on the screen when you got the original.)

[Jeremy Aaron]

Proofreading is pretty much dead. The thing that I can't stand is the amount of spelling/grammatical errors in many of the album booklets coming out now. How hard would it be to double check that "your" and "you're" is being used in the right context?
"Their" and "they're" don't exist anymore either, only "there." I've also come to learn that at least 75% of people can't spell "definitely." I've actually had reviews come in where they just write "def" like it's some text message. I've always felt written expression is such an important skill, and it bothers me that people just don't care.

[Dystroxia]

how many album covers are there to this album?
Two.

Well, I'm just ignore everyone.

I'll put up a RIYL and a myspace link.

[Dystroxia]

What I was going to say. There's loads of albums without any filler or bad tracks. I feel bad for this guy if his favorite album has a song on it he doesn't like.
Um, this isn't my favorite album.

There are a lot better ones, but this one is good.

[4wordletter90]

you didn't really say anything in this review. try bringing up more about the album other than whether or not the art was "original;" no matter what you rated this release, i find it hard to believe that any one would take you opinion seriously amidst your informal style and obnoxiously vague and weak statements.

[Dystroxia]

Your opening paragraph is obnoxious. Everyone knows which album you're reviewing; we read that when clicking the link to open the review. And as for the Christianity thing, if you're sincere, that's an understatement that comes off as ditzy as hell, and if not, it's remarkably witless sarcasm. Unless their Christianity actually affects the CD, then just shut up about it; it's neither helpful background nor good writing.

Also, I have no idea why you thought it was a good idea to dictate your stream of consciousness verbatim, but typically phrases like "I mean" are eliminated during the revision process. If the prior statement is so unclear as to require such an explanation, revise the prior statement.

Lest you think I really get off on being an asshole, I'll stop there. Keep trying; there's a lot in here that could have used some further revision.
:rotfl:
I could care less.

[Dystroxia]

"who stay faithful once more to the Christian belief, which I believe is a good thing, don't you think? Of course!"

you either have the mindset of a 14 year old christian girl or a completely witless moron
Wow, all you do is bash on me.

You bash on me on this album and AA, get a life you stalker.

[kevinAIWW]

Wow, all you do is bash on me.

You bash on me on this album and AA, get a life you stalker.
I agree with you there, bud. People on here are always dickheads. Bottom line.

[Colinreturn]

Wow, all you do is bash on me.

You bash on me on this album and AA, get a life you stalker.
muah

[yayitsjoe]

there is so much filler in this. so many unneeded words.

also, don't use words like "i think" and start sentences with "i," if you want your opinion to mean something don't make it YOUR opinion.

that makes no sense, i know, but i mean like say things in a matter-of-fact way. don't be like "i think" you know?

[Dystroxia]

there is so much filler in this. so many unneeded words.

also, don't use words like "i think" and start sentences with "i," if you want your opinion to mean something don't make it YOUR opinion.

that makes no sense, i know, but i mean like say things in a matter-of-fact way. don't be like "i think" you know?
Yeah, thanks.

Most people on here should be like you, and not be dicks to get their point across.

And for that, I appreciate it.

[Dystroxia]

Guys, he's not writing a paper here, it's an opinion put to paper, or in this case a forum thread. Give him a break.
That being said, I have little to no interest in this band and don't really care about that review either.


'Cause you know, sticking to what you believe in all you do instead of selling out is such a witless move. I can't believe those silly Christians and their "values" and "holding firm to their beliefs." How stupid of them.
Oh, and I thank you too as well, for not being a dick to me.

[Dystroxia]

I agree with you there, bud. People on here are always dickheads. Bottom line.
Yeah, but this guy jumps into ALL of my reviews and bitches at each one on purpose.

I'm sick of it.

[Andrew33]

Listen Dystroxia- I'm not saying the way the people on here approach criticism is right at all, most people just bitch anyways; but do take a minute and think about the criticism they actually do represent. This album review is quite poorly written, but that's just because people here are more useful to album reviews then to what you wrote- which, in my opinion, is closer to a friend talking about this album to another friend.

Also, to those bashing 16 year olds- I'm 16 and please check my 2 reviews. I personally think my Caspian album review is especially well written. Just my opinion =)

[Dystroxia]

Listen Dystroxia- I'm not saying the way the people on here approach criticism is right at all, most people just bitch anyways; but do take a minute and think about the criticism they actually do represent. This album review is quite poorly written, but that's just because people here are more useful to album reviews then to what you wrote- which, in my opinion, is closer to a friend talking about this album to another friend.

Also, to those bashing 16 year olds- I'm 16 and please check my 2 reviews. I personally think my Caspian album review is especially well written. Just my opinion =)
See, this is at least the nicest some people can be on this website.

Criticism, in my definition, is positive or negative feedback...on absolutepunk.net, (most) criticism is (usually) negative feedback using insulting slurs and ugly comments.

Oh, and I'm 16 as well, I mean, it's not like I actually do this as a profession. God, what dicks people can be (and definitely not you, Andrew)

[kevinAIWW]

Yeah, but this guy jumps into ALL of my reviews and bitches at each one on purpose.

I'm sick of it.
There's a select few that do that to me as well. I've just learned to laugh at them.

[Dystroxia]

There's a select few that do that to me as well. I've just learned to laugh at them.
Yep, that's what I'm just gonna do.

lol

[SpyKi]

Um, this isn't my favorite album.

There are a lot better ones, but this one is good.
I know that, this would be an awful favorite album. I said that because you said every album has a track like that, surely that would include your favorite album.

[Dystroxia]

I know that, this would be an awful favorite album. I said that because you said every album has a track like that, surely that would include your favorite album.
I get it now.

[Dystroxia]

Not quite there yet. Keep reading other reviews for inspiration, man.


Also, easy, on, the, commas, you, don't, need them, as much as you, think.
Thanks, good advice

[Dystroxia]

there is so much filler in this. so many unneeded words.

also, don't use words like "i think" and start sentences with "i," if you want your opinion to mean something don't make it YOUR opinion.

that makes no sense, i know, but i mean like say things in a matter-of-fact way. don't be like "i think" you know?
I see what you're saying.

Like, make it my opinion, but don't put it to where people notice it as mine.

Is that what you're saying?

[yayitsjoe]

I see what you're saying.

Like, make it my opinion, but don't put it to where people notice it as mine.

Is that what you're saying?
yes, pretty much. like state your opinion. but don't use the word I, or me, or any first-person words. instead of saying "I think this album is really good," say "This album is really good." state things in a matter-of-fact way. it makes it more believable.

[Dystroxia]

yes, pretty much. like state your opinion. but don't use the word I, or me, or any first-person words. instead of saying "I think this album is really good," say "This album is really good." state things in a matter-of-fact way. it makes it more believable.
All right, I will start doing that :)

[nathaniel]

how many album covers are there to this album?
If I'm not mistaken, there's the original that is featured on this review, then there is the special edition with a completely different cover. So that makes 2.

[Rationalist]

You're 16. Keep working on your writing craft. It comes with practice.
And I'm thirteen, and here's what I write, major difference. (http://www.sputnikmusic.com/user_reviews.php?memberid=430941) I suggest reading the IHM review and the Kayo Dot review; the Earth review will be posted on here shortly if accepted.

[Rationalist]

Although I am proud of the reviwer standing up and expecting to grow as a reviewer rather than being a stubborn arse about every piece of constructed criticism thrown his way.

[Dystroxia]

Although I am proud of the reviwer standing up and expecting to grow as a reviewer rather than being a stubborn arse about every piece of constructed criticism thrown his way.
Thank you, I appreciate that :)

[Rationalist]

Thank you, I appreciate that :)
If you just listen to cirticism, ask about it, etc. you can grow and not be like this:

http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=33802

[Rationalist]

not that you're like that now, but yeah.. I'm jsut gonna stop talking now while I am ahead.

[Dystroxia]

lol, i tried to quote you Rationalist and it didn't work.

[Dystroxia]

If you just listen to cirticism, ask about it, etc. you can grow and not be like this:

http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=33802
I won't be him, trust me.

[Dystroxia]

not that you're like that now, but yeah.. I'm jsut gonna stop talking now while I am ahead.
No, that's okay.

[Rationalist]

No, that's okay.
Yeah... "GAR I LIKE EMMURE GODDAMIT I DESERVE TO WRITE A REVIEW!"

[Dystroxia]

Yeah... "GAR I LIKE EMMURE GODDAMIT I DESERVE TO WRITE A REVIEW!"
lmao.

The Emmure reviewer on sputnikmusic.com was so ridiculous.

[Rationalist]

lmao.

The Emmure reviewer on sputnikmusic.com was so ridiculous.
You may not like Emmure, BUT WHO CARES??? Rada Rada Rada

[Dystroxia]

You may not like Emmure, BUT WHO CARES??? Rada Rada Rada
LMAO

[Rationalist]

LMAO
This is funnier though:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfX853ACq3w

[Dystroxia]

This is funnier though:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfX853ACq3w
The first 10 seconds are just hysterical.

[Rationalist]

comedic relief.

[Dystroxia]

This is funnier though:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfX853ACq3w
Actually, I think the comments are funnier

They think the vocals are "br00tal and amazing"

LMAO holy lol

[packattack227]

This band is awesome

[Dystroxia]

This band is awesome
Yes, they are

[Rationalist]

Actually, I think the comments are funnier

They think the vocals are "br00tal and amazing"

LMAO holy lol
Ooh EEk! I is Bro00tasl Sunz uh beetch

[Dystroxia]

Ooh EEk! I is Bro00tasl Sunz uh beetch
lol, that just sound like straight up German

[Rationalist]

lol, that just sound like straight up German
Ich Liebe Das Deustchen.

[Rationalist]

This band is awesome
If your definition of awesome is extremely generic, then yes, they are awesome.