Becoming the Archetype - Dichotomy

[Klatzke]

Becoming the Archetype - Dichotomy
Record Label: Solid State Records
Release Date: November 25, 2008

I'm fairly fluent in Solid State's roster. The one band that I always failed to check out, however, was Becoming the Archetype. I'm not sure why, since their name struck an odd chord with me, and I listen to quite a few of Solid State's artists. I think it all started when I received a terrible recommendation for them ("Yeah man, they're like this She Wants Revenge kind of thing!"). For whatever reason, they always ended up in the back of my mind. One day though, I had an epiphany. I was sitting there thinking "Solid State sure has been quiet this year, maybe I should check them out" and ended up on Solid State's webpage. Lo and behold, tucked into the upcoming releases section was Becoming the Archetype's third full length album, Dichotomy. Feeling a little adventurous, I wandered over to their myspace to hear their single, and title track, from the new album. And what glorious things I heard! The pummeling vocals, crafty musicianship, and inlaid synth immediately caught my attention. Beating myself up for not doing this two years ago, I immediately began my quest to obtain Dichotomy, and with a little bit of luck, got the opportunity.

I could ask myself: was it worth it? Did this "quest" end fruitfully, or was I chasing after something that didn't need finding? Let's put it like this: I was searching for a little water, and happened upon a mountain spring. This album is marvelous. It's got everything a metal album should. Its spectacular musicianship, vocals, and writing all fit together perfectly to create the best metal album I've heard all year. Everything an album like this needs, it has. Thundering vocals, check. Spectacular musicianship, check. However, it's not just a standard metal album, it went far and above what I expected out of it.

They may not be the first metal act to use one, but the way they use their synth is incredible. It always fits and they never overdo it. They use everything from upbeat electronic lines in the title track to organ and piano work in "Self Existent." Some of the effects they bring in caught me completely off guard in the best way possible. A great example of this is the plucked violin line in "Ransom." The great guitar lines and solos brought in by Seth Hecox and Jon Star are one of the major contenders for the best-part-of-the-album award. They'll distract you for a second with a solid uninterrupted line, and then suddenly pummel you into submission. The guitars, combined with the drums and effects, find a way to even keep you entertained during the numerous instrumental sections in the tracks. Jason Wisdom's vocals never let up throughout the entire forty minutes. They consistently, track after track, assault your ears with their pummeling fury. There's no gimmicky melodic sections or choruses; Wisdom keeps the attention and he handles it well.

They've been coined as "progressive metal" for a good reason. Not only do they incorporate some things you're not likely to see in most metal albums, (Acoustic guitars? Plucked violins? Organs?), they do a great job of pulling in influences outside of their respective genre. They don't rely solely on a metal styling to pull this album off, they bring in a feel for just about every type of heavy music you can list. I mean, with the similarities in Wisdom's vocals with those of Karl Shubach of Misery Signals, there are many sections of this album that have the same crushing capacity as Misery Signal's Controller. However, these moments don't last long, and seconds later, you find yourself being swept up in a technical and furious death metal sound. Each of the songs take their own twists and turns, and none of them are just simply straightforward.

The lyrics on this album are, obviously enough, Christian minded. They don't really let up on the theme, and you can see their faith reflected in lines like: "My heart, has accepted, what my eyes, could never have believed. I saw him rise, I saw him rise!" These, from "Self Existent," just scratch the surface. "Artificial Immortality" tackles the idea of technologies ever rising capabilities with lines like: "Technology will conquer, biology will fall. Machines provide the means for the chosen few to rise up and be "immortal." "Discard the body to elevate the intellect. Remove the head, remove the soul, implant the artificial." While they may not be tackling a "religious" topic, even in this you can see the effects of their religion upon the lyrics.

There really isn't a filler track on this album. Even the interlude has it's place in alleviating the complete chaos that the rest of the album is dipped in for it's two minutes. Even then, it has it's standouts. Notably, the title track, which starts off with the proclamation: "In this hour, the tower, shall fall!" It's then pulled along by excellent guitar works and the synth line that peaks in from time to time. The fast-paced and powerful drumming gives the track one hell of a punch. Ryan Clark, (of Demon Hunter fame), even makes an appearance on this track, and adds a little sprinkle of melody to an album predominately without it. Overall though, there's really not a skip-able track, and it'd be about impossible for me to have to pick a single one out as a bad pick.

Sorry for the incredibly long review, I seriously just cannot get over this album. Up to this point, I've listened to it time and time again daily. I should be kicking myself for not checking out Becoming the Archetype sooner, so don't let yourself make the same mistake. Already, this album has taken its spot as my favorite heavy release of the year. Compared to some of the other stuff coming out of progressive metal bands, Dichotomy is more than a welcome respite. I'm not saying that if you're not a fan of heavy music that you'll like this. In fact, if you seem to dislike the heavier side, you'll probably find this as distasteful as anything. What I am saying is that if you're a fan of any type of heavy music, such as metalcore, metal, or even death metal, that you should give this album a chance. Hopefully, you'll be as awed as I was.

Misery Signal's Controller mixed with a big heap of Opeth's Watershed without the singing; Scar Symmetry; Demon Hunter without the, you guessed it, singing
myspace.com/becomingthearchetype (http://www.myspace.com/becomingthearchetype)

[batmannj]

nice review man. i think this band is one of the most underrated heavy bands and i was hoping that someone would post a review of it. much like you, its been on repeat for me the last few hours and i abosolutely loved it.

if i had one complaint (and this would be serious nit picking) its that jason wisdoms yell rarely changes, and if it does its the death growl. other than that though this album is a gem and one of my favs of 2008

[Brett3]

This album is absolutely amazing. You should check out their old stuff to, it's pretty good. Great review.

[batmannj]

This album is absolutely amazing. You should check out their old stuff to, it's pretty good. Great review.

for sure, the physics of fire is so good. so far i like this one a little better but both records ooze with goodness.

[OdeToTheSun]

I have not been able to find a torrent or anything for this. Where the hell are you people getting it from???
Also, great review.

[Klatzke]

haha wow, this review was so much longer than I remembered it being when I submitted it.

[Troggy]

Only legitimate metal band on the Solid State roster for the past several years. I haven't been able to find a leak of this yet but I am excited to hear it.

[LongDistanceDrunk]

Only legitimate metal band on the Solid State roster for the past several years. I haven't been able to find a leak of this yet but I am excited to hear it.

I don't really like Solid State much either but I think He Is Legend, specifically Suck Out the Poison, is pretty amazing.

[in10city]

not cool dudes in real life

[a speedo model]

Love it, their 2nd best album. Can't wait to see what else they do.

[Handicapdhotdog]

Terminate Damnation is an absolutely incredible album, this one is pretty good too, i'm just glad they have their original guitarist back.

[nickymetal]

Terrific music, terrible people. The worst kind of evangelists.

[Jamos4184]

Only legitimate metal band on the Solid State roster for the past several years. I haven't been able to find a leak of this yet but I am excited to hear it.
Tell me you're kidding, or you've somehow accidentally overlooked August Burns Red?

[oncedarkness]

explain, nickymetal

[nickymetal]

They refuse to acknowledge others beliefs. They tried nonstop to convert me to Christianity, while all I wanted to do was have an ecumenical discussion about theology. Fabulous musicians though...

[tacosunited]

i was really disappointed with The Physics of Fire, but this record is surprisingly good. the vocals sound great. and good review!

[Cheesus]

Holy gawd one more day. do need/want/crave.

seriosuly, this band has never been my favorite, but hearing that Devin Townsend would be on production duties got me so pumped for this. I can see where the "Controller" similarities would come in to play seeing as how he produced that album as well.

Great review man!!

[Troggy]

I don't really like Solid State much either but I think He Is Legend, specifically Suck Out the Poison, is pretty amazing.

He Is Legend isn't a metal band anyway, though. I have I Am Hollywood. I used to love that record but I have moved on.

Tell me you're kidding, or you've somehow accidentally overlooked August Burns Red?

haahahahahaahahaha good one

Why listen to this record when I could hear nothing but breakdowns for 40 minutes? August Burns Red is terribly average, at best. I'll admit I was a strong supporter of Thrill Seeker since they threw a number of great melodic licks in there. A little while back I was still a sucker for some genericore and bought it, but after a while the incessant lack of structure and distinction between songs just wears at you. That kind of music doesn't have any staying power, its just bludgeoning with little purpose, and all you really get out of the song is about 10 seconds near the end where you can yell along. You may think they are amazing, but you probably just have low standards. If they only included the worthwhile portions of their songs (20 - 30 seconds) they might be onto something. Kind of like Pig Destroyer but with trendier haircuts and emoscene guitar leads.

I got suckered into a lot of this solidstatetoothandnailcore junk myself. You may eventually realize like I did that it is all terribly shallow musically and will pass just like every other trend. Stick with David Crowder Band, that is some great music.

[tharro91]

Troggy,

You lost all my respect with your last statement. Never mention DCB in a post about BTA or ABR.

[Klatzke]

Holy gawd one more day. do need/want/crave.

seriosuly, this band has never been my favorite, but hearing that Devin Townsend would be on production duties got me so pumped for this. I can see where the "Controller" similarities would come in to play seeing as how he produced that album as well.

Great review man!!
Thanks.

[Jamos4184]

He Is Legend isn't a metal band anyway, though. I have I Am Hollywood. I used to love that record but I have moved on.



haahahahahaahahaha good one

Why listen to this record when I could hear nothing but breakdowns for 40 minutes? August Burns Red is terribly average, at best. I'll admit I was a strong supporter of Thrill Seeker since they threw a number of great melodic licks in there. A little while back I was still a sucker for some genericore and bought it, but after a while the incessant lack of structure and distinction between songs just wears at you. That kind of music doesn't have any staying power, its just bludgeoning with little purpose, and all you really get out of the song is about 10 seconds near the end where you can yell along. You may think they are amazing, but you probably just have low standards. If they only included the worthwhile portions of their songs (20 - 30 seconds) they might be onto something. Kind of like Pig Destroyer but with trendier haircuts and emoscene guitar leads.

I got suckered into a lot of this solidstatetoothandnailcore junk myself. You may eventually realize like I did that it is all terribly shallow musically and will pass just like every other trend. Stick with David Crowder Band, that is some great music.
Actually I'm pretty picky about the music I listen to. My point is merely that ABR is one of those bands that people like to crap on all the time and they get no credit for what they do. The guys are incredibly talented (even if you don't like the way they write songs, you have to admit they can play). Bottom line is that personal preferences and opinions differ, but don't disrespect people for liking a band that you don't care for and that you think "sucks".

[Troggy]

Troggy,

You lost all my respect with your last statement. Never mention DCB in a post about BTA or ABR.

That makes no sense at all, you have lost all my respect.

Actually I'm pretty picky about the music I listen to. My point is merely that ABR is one of those bands that people like to crap on all the time and they get no credit for what they do. The guys are incredibly talented (even if you don't like the way they write songs, you have to admit they can play). Bottom line is that personal preferences and opinions differ, but don't disrespect people for liking a band that you don't care for and that you think "sucks".

What are you talking about? Just because they are talented musicians doesn't mean anything. You can call them "talent going to waste" if you want, I'll give you that. Like I said, I don't crap on them all the time, I even bought their first record. I have heard their music and I am not out to get them, if they want more credit they could try being at least the slightest bit original or writing songs that stand out from one another.

I don't see how I am "disrespecting" you, you made it sound like I was a brainless shut-in for possibly not knowing about August Burns Red and thinking they are a legitimately good band. I don't see how you think you can get away with that, and then get all "you can't say bad music sucks because I like it and that hurts my feelings" on me.

[Jamos4184]

That makes no sense at all, you have lost all my respect.



What are you talking about? Just because they are talented musicians doesn't mean anything. You can call them "talent going to waste" if you want, I'll give you that. Like I said, I don't crap on them all the time, I even bought their first record. I have heard their music and I am not out to get them, if they want more credit they could try being at least the slightest bit original or writing songs that stand out from one another.

I don't see how I am "disrespecting" you, you made it sound like I was a brainless shut-in for possibly not knowing about August Burns Red and thinking they are a legitimately good band. I don't see how you think you can get away with that, and then get all "you can't say bad music sucks because I like it and that hurts my feelings" on me.
Hahaha. Dude, chill out. For starters, I never said, "you can't say bad music sucks because I like it and that hurts my feelings." You insulted me by saying, "You may think they are amazing, but you probably just have low standars." No, my feelings aren't hurt by that, I'm just amazed by the audacity of someone to be so arrogant towards someone they don't even know. My main point was not to say, "I like them and you can't say they suck because you don't like them." All I was trying to communicate is that I hate when people are so subjective in their opinions that no one else's opinion is right. It's an opinion! And clearly I offended you with my initial comment about ABR, because I now realize that I was doing the exact thing to you as you have done to me. At the end of the day, you like certain bands and styles of music, and I like others. Life goes on.

[Klatzke]

Oh he-sus.

[Troggy]

Hahaha. Dude, chill out. For starters, I never said, "you can't say bad music sucks because I like it and that hurts my feelings." You insulted me by saying, "You may think they are amazing, but you probably just have low standars." No, my feelings aren't hurt by that, I'm just amazed by the audacity of someone to be so arrogant towards someone they don't even know.

haha dude, it's the internets. nobody knows anyone. i gotta say though, since you aren't a dumb as nails teenager, i do feel a little bad for e-insulting you like that. you have to keep in mind the place you are at though. at AP.net, everyone is a deuchebag with better opinions than you. i just roll with the punches.

My main point was not to say, "I like them and you can't say they suck because you don't like them." All I was trying to communicate is that I hate when people are so subjective in their opinions that no one else's opinion is right. It's an opinion! And clearly I offended you with my initial comment about ABR, because I now realize that I was doing the exact thing to you as you have done to me. At the end of the day, you like certain bands and styles of music, and I like others. Life goes on.

There are worse metalcore bands to like than ABR, but I am 1) tired of them 2) disappointed at how bad solid state records has become. I know your position, I am also a Christian, I am drawn to Christian music of these genres for the same reasons you are. The problem is, Solid State is churning out copycat band after copycat band, and is losing any sincerity that bands like Extol used to bring to it. Look at some of the lyrics from their records, that stuff is good, but now bands on this and similar labels just muddle around in ambuiguity, walking the line between secular and spiritual, playing overdone boring genres of music.

That's the thing I really appreciate about Becoming the Archetype. They seem like good guys to me, I met them at a show when they were touring with Zao a few years ago. More importantly, though, they do several things in their music to stand out from the generic crowd of metalcore and are consistently changing the small things from album to album. Most metalcore bands go the way of the buffalo after one record because they are in a rut of following someone else who did the style better. They put out an equally samesounding second album, and don't make it much past that. ABR has lost relevance for me since they failed to expand their sound on the second album much at all.

Becoming the Archetype is very breakdown/pummeling oriented, but they approach their music as somewhat of an Opeth-redux, but a lot heavier. Although I feel like they too don't go quite far enough in some aspects, as some of their interludes and instrumentals are pretty simple sounding, they incorporate a lot, which is refreshing. This is why I see them as a legitimate band. Their instrumental Night's Sorrow from their debut is fantastic, and while they haven't quite matched that with the newer albums they are still at it, working with mood pieces and dissonance and all those traditionally metal elements (not to mention they have some pretty decent guitar soloing). The Physics of Fire took a long time to grow on me, but I am appreciating it now. I imagine Dichotomy will be the same way. Their songs are a little more rewarding with time, as opposed to genericore which is infinitely less rewarding with time.

These are some of the reasons that your statement puzzled me, when I really inspect what I get out of the music from the two bands, there is no comparison. BTA still fall into some ruts here and there, but their music is interesting and sometimes pretty awesome. People who listen to metal all the time could still write them off, I suppose, since they aren't truly dissociated from metalcore and the negative connotation it holds now, but I see BTA as an important Christian metal band in the sense that almost all the other ones are holding to trends just like secular bands are, and will be disappearing just as fast.

Of course there is hope for some of these genericore bands if they want it, just look at As I Lay Dying. This band will always be panned by most people around here, or people who know that the band is linked to countless terrible bands by touring, labels, and associations, but they have actually been improving with each album. This is an almost unheard of feat in their already stale genre. An Ocean Between us is easily their best record, and one where they finally put the melody they wanted into their music without it being some cheap whiny chorus like on "The Darkest Nights" (least favorite song of theirs, easily). They haven't done anything drastically different on the bottom chugachug end, but just the fact that they are trying actually yielded some pretty impressive results. That album is very listenable, and I think it will continue to be that way even as it ages.

The point is, I once listened to hoards of these bands, I have already been down that road, and there are few bands (especially in the solidstatecore scene) that will ever amount to anything musically. A lot of them are probably great guys, sure, but they're not going to make an impact if they are just followers. I'm not saying you won't enjoy August Burns Red forever, but if you are interested in being a part of this "movement" (if you could call it that), it would probably serve you well to take a step back and look at what is really going on here.

[Jamos4184]

haha dude, it's the internets. nobody knows anyone. i gotta say though, since you aren't a dumb as nails teenager, i do feel a little bad for e-insulting you like that. you have to keep in mind the place you are at though. at AP.net, everyone is a deuchebag with better opinions than you. i just roll with the punches.



There are worse metalcore bands to like than ABR, but I am 1) tired of them 2) disappointed at how bad solid state records has become. I know your position, I am also a Christian, I am drawn to Christian music of these genres for the same reasons you are. The problem is, Solid State is churning out copycat band after copycat band, and is losing any sincerity that bands like Extol used to bring to it. Look at some of the lyrics from their records, that stuff is good, but now bands on this and similar labels just muddle around in ambuiguity, walking the line between secular and spiritual, playing overdone boring genres of music.

That's the thing I really appreciate about Becoming the Archetype. They seem like good guys to me, I met them at a show when they were touring with Zao a few years ago. More importantly, though, they do several things in their music to stand out from the generic crowd of metalcore and are consistently changing the small things from album to album. Most metalcore bands go the way of the buffalo after one record because they are in a rut of following someone else who did the style better. They put out an equally samesounding second album, and don't make it much past that. ABR has lost relevance for me since they failed to expand their sound on the second album much at all.

Becoming the Archetype is very breakdown/pummeling oriented, but they approach their music as somewhat of an Opeth-redux, but a lot heavier. Although I feel like they too don't go quite far enough in some aspects, as some of their interludes and instrumentals are pretty simple sounding, they incorporate a lot, which is refreshing. This is why I see them as a legitimate band. Their instrumental Night's Sorrow from their debut is fantastic, and while they haven't quite matched that with the newer albums they are still at it, working with mood pieces and dissonance and all those traditionally metal elements (not to mention they have some pretty decent guitar soloing). The Physics of Fire took a long time to grow on me, but I am appreciating it now. I imagine Dichotomy will be the same way. Their songs are a little more rewarding with time, as opposed to genericore which is infinitely less rewarding with time.

These are some of the reasons that your statement puzzled me, when I really inspect what I get out of the music from the two bands, there is no comparison. BTA still fall into some ruts here and there, but their music is interesting and sometimes pretty awesome. People who listen to metal all the time could still write them off, I suppose, since they aren't truly dissociated from metalcore and the negative connotation it holds now, but I see BTA as an important Christian metal band in the sense that almost all the other ones are holding to trends just like secular bands are, and will be disappearing just as fast.

Of course there is hope for some of these genericore bands if they want it, just look at As I Lay Dying. This band will always be panned by most people around here, or people who know that the band is linked to countless terrible bands by touring, labels, and associations, but they have actually been improving with each album. This is an almost unheard of feat in their already stale genre. An Ocean Between us is easily their best record, and one where they finally put the melody they wanted into their music without it being some cheap whiny chorus like on "The Darkest Nights" (least favorite song of theirs, easily). They haven't done anything drastically different on the bottom chugachug end, but just the fact that they are trying actually yielded some pretty impressive results. That album is very listenable, and I think it will continue to be that way even as it ages.

The point is, I once listened to hoards of these bands, I have already been down that road, and there are few bands (especially in the solidstatecore scene) that will ever amount to anything musically. A lot of them are probably great guys, sure, but they're not going to make an impact if they are just followers. I'm not saying you won't enjoy August Burns Red forever, but if you are interested in being a part of this "movement" (if you could call it that), it would probably serve you well to take a step back and look at what is really going on here.
You know, I really do have to agree with you about most of Solid States bands. I don't think anyone out there would really try to argue that this label has been consistently signing bands that do not vary much in style (with a few exceptions, in my opinion being: The Chariot - even though a lot of people might say that they sound like Norma Jean, but even Norma Jean doesn't really sound like Norma Jean anymore; As Cities Burn - who have considerably changed from their original sound; Showbread - even though Josh Dies obsession with NIN continues to influence their records more and more, it's still different that what most bands in this "scene" are doing today; BTA - who I have not really listened to much, mostly because I don't care for the dramatic musical-esque clean vocals; and lastly Trenches - isn't it great to see Jimmy Ryan back in the game and doing something different?; I also have to admit that while they don't do much to really differentiate themselves from any other "genericore" band that I feel that Oh Sleeper could potentially make some big strides in distancing themselves and branching out with something different). Let's face it, there really is not much in the way of creativity or originality in any style of music these days. That's not to say it doesn't exist at all, but it's hard to find bands that are truly doing anything "new" or something that hasn't been done before.

I, too, am a Christian, and I also agree with you on issues regarding these Christian metalcore bands who have such poor or vague lyrics. It is frustrating to me when a band (Christian or otherwise) just tip-toes around where they stand on their beliefs. At the same time I don't feel that we ought to be forcing our beliefs on others, but communicating them in a way that isn't so militant that it pushes them away. I really have a strong burden for this in the Christian rock/metal/hardcore music industry. That being said, I am no where near being in a band myself so at the present time there is not much I can do about it.

Lastly, I understand that I may not like the same bands or styles of music 10, much less even 5 years from now. Heck, I used to tell people that DC Talk, Newsboys and Relient K were my favorite bands. Do I still go back every now and again and enjoy me some Jesus Freak? Yeah, but is it what I consistently listen to? No. Anyway, I'm glad we could bury this proverbial e-hatchet.

[Troggy]

You know, I really do have to agree with you about most of Solid States bands. I don't think anyone out there would really try to argue that this label has been consistently signing bands that do not vary much in style (with a few exceptions, in my opinion being: The Chariot - even though a lot of people might say that they sound like Norma Jean, but even Norma Jean doesn't really sound like Norma Jean anymore; As Cities Burn - who have considerably changed from their original sound; Showbread - even though Josh Dies obsession with NIN continues to influence their records more and more, it's still different that what most bands in this "scene" are doing today; BTA - who I have not really listened to much, mostly because I don't care for the dramatic musical-esque clean vocals; and lastly Trenches - isn't it great to see Jimmy Ryan back in the game and doing something different?;

Well, there is plenty of creativity out there, but trying to find it among those bands is a stretch. The Chariot is a decent band, I have their first record and I enjoy the way it sounds. They didn't do anything impressive except make it sound really cool and garagey, and that works enough to make it stand out. I have read favorable things about their second album, as well. Still enjoy that disc occasionally, and will probably not be trying to pawn it off on anyone in the near future.

Haven't been keeping track of As Cities Burn but I'll take your word for it. I listened to their first disc and it was awful, but I have read people commenting on their second album being different and better. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt for now, I think they have another record coming out soon.

BTA uses clean vocals tastefully and sparingly, in my opinion. They don't use any on their debut, and very few on Dichotomy. It was a little trial and error since Seth was new to the band and he seems to want to appear to be VERY metal. It worked more often than not though, so I was happy. You already know that I support this band, and I think for good reasons.

Showbread, ugh. I am still stuck with one of their records. I thought they were real cool. But it just gets tiresome. Age of Reptiles had a few killer songs but most of it was so mediocre and I just never wanted to go back to it. Didn't listen to their new double disc but I didn't really enjoy the songs they put up before its release.

Haven't listened to Trenches except for one of their first demos, but Haste the Day was mediocre at their best so I'm sure it is an improvement from that.

What I was really trying to get at is that legitimate metal bands aren't even part of the "scene" so comparing the solid state bands to garbage like Devil Wears Prada, BMTH, HHLL, etc etc really doesn't do them any justice. Based on the absolute bottom of the barrel, some of these bands are looking pretty good, sure. Some of them are appealing enough, but I would love to see any of them set the stage for a solid career in music rather than a few albums that don't matter much and call it quits.

I also have to admit that while they don't do much to really differentiate themselves from any other "genericore" band that I feel that Oh Sleeper could potentially make some big strides in distancing themselves and branching out with something different). Let's face it, there really is not much in the way of creativity or originality in any style of music these days. That's not to say it doesn't exist at all, but it's hard to find bands that are truly doing anything "new" or something that hasn't been done before.

I gotta tell you, it's not hard to find bands that are doing at least something new. You just have to look outside of this group of bands. Metal is constantly changing and evolving, after all, it isn't even very old. Especially this screaming blast beats breakdowns stuff, it is still a child in years. If you lurk around even this website, you will probably run across plenty of interesting and creative metal bands, not to mention other genres.

I, too, am a Christian, and I also agree with you on issues regarding these Christian metalcore bands who have such poor or vague lyrics. It is frustrating to me when a band (Christian or otherwise) just tip-toes around where they stand on their beliefs. At the same time I don't feel that we ought to be forcing our beliefs on others, but communicating them in a way that isn't so militant that it pushes them away. I really have a strong burden for this in the Christian rock/metal/hardcore music industry. That being said, I am no where near being in a band myself so at the present time there is not much I can do about it.

Of course there has to be a balance between ambiguity and forcing your beliefs on others, but I think there is. I think Christian bands need to be up front about it and just live by example. It's not even just Christian metal bands that are vague, look at Mae, Anberlin, bands like that. It is pretty nerve wrecking how close they come to writing a possibly meaningful song, but blur it out with pronouns and stuff. Lyrics are their lyrics and people can see that before they even buy the albums, it doesn't take a lot to differentiate yourselves from secular bands by the lives you lead. I know that the majority of these bands have good intentions, but maybe they need some in understanding the current musical environment. It's tough out there, you have to bring something to the table for people to notice you.

Lastly, I understand that I may not like the same bands or styles of music 10, much less even 5 years from now. Heck, I used to tell people that DC Talk, Newsboys and Relient K were my favorite bands. Do I still go back every now and again and enjoy me some Jesus Freak? Yeah, but is it what I consistently listen to? No. Anyway, I'm glad we could bury this proverbial e-hatchet.

Dude CCM is a whole different discussion. I am upset with a lot of what's going on there. However, Relient K is a great band and I have liked them for a long time. They are a good example of succeeding where bands like the pop/rock ones above didn't. They are upfront about who they are, but still managed to garner mainstream attention. They are fantastic live, write memorable songs, and I think are just great positive musicians for the genre that they are in. I can't listen to DC Talk or Newsboys or stuff like that, haha. That's why I brought up DCB. He is some kind of genius. His lyrics are poignant and his music is creative and engaging, where most other CCM acts are paint by numbers at this point. Again, another discussion, but there are people on this board who aren't Christian but enjoy DCB music.

[Matthew Tsai]

1. DCB sucks :P

2. this is a good record. while you (klatzke) mentioned that not many metal bands use strings/synths/plucked violins or whatever it was, a lot metal bands actually do use these things. some of these "creative" parts actually sound gimmicky, but overall this is a solid album

[Klatzke]

1. DCB sucks :P

2. this is a good record. while you (klatzke) mentioned that not many metal bands use strings/synths/plucked violins or whatever it was, a lot metal bands actually do use these things. some of these "creative" parts actually sound gimmicky, but overall this is a solid album
DCB?

[Matthew Tsai]

that was referring to troggy's comments.

[cubine]

He Is Legend isn't a metal band anyway, though. I have I Am Hollywood. I used to love that record but I have moved on.



haahahahahaahahaha good one

Why listen to this record when I could hear nothing but breakdowns for 40 minutes? August Burns Red is terribly average, at best. I'll admit I was a strong supporter of Thrill Seeker since they threw a number of great melodic licks in there. A little while back I was still a sucker for some genericore and bought it, but after a while the incessant lack of structure and distinction between songs just wears at you. That kind of music doesn't have any staying power, its just bludgeoning with little purpose, and all you really get out of the song is about 10 seconds near the end where you can yell along. You may think they are amazing, but you probably just have low standards. If they only included the worthwhile portions of their songs (20 - 30 seconds) they might be onto something. Kind of like Pig Destroyer but with trendier haircuts and emoscene guitar leads.

I got suckered into a lot of this solidstatetoothandnailcore junk myself. You may eventually realize like I did that it is all terribly shallow musically and will pass just like every other trend. Stick with David Crowder Band, that is some great music.
Listen to Leveler and eat your words, 3 years later.