Oh, Sleeper – Children of Fire
Record Label: Solid State Records
Release Date: September 6, 2011 (digitally) / September 27, 2011 (physically)
If there’s one thing Oh, Sleeper proved with Son of the Morning it’s that they realize progression is necessary to stay alive on the heavy side of music these days. And sure enough, it’s clear that this mentality stuck, as Children on Fire is a powerhouse of a record. This is the record that will put them on the same level as acts such as The Chariot and August Burns Red in the metalcore scene.
Musically, Children of Fire carries the signature Oh, Sleeper guitar play, only even more refined and controlled. Shane Blay and James Erwin demonstrate just this throughout the frantic “The Marriage of Steel and Skin,” as their guitar work proves to the backbone of the track. Zac Mayfield also proves to be a machine behind the kit, dominating the chaotic “Claws of a God.”
However, the main progression proves to be within song structure this time around. The mellow “Hush Yael,” “The Conscience Speaks,” and “Dealers of Fame” depict a different side of Oh, Sleeper, even channeling Earth-era Thrice at times. It’s this growth and progression that will set these guys apart from similar acts of the genre, as these acoustic numbers demonstrate the versatility of Micah Kinard as a vocalist. It’s the mix of these softer tracks with some of the heaviest songs Oh, Sleeper have written (“Shed Your Soul”) that makes this record more than just a generic metalcore album.
Nonetheless, the heavy moments do absolutely destroy throughout the record. The opening “Endseekers” is an absolute behemoth of a song, paced by Kinard’s signature growl over excellent guitar work. The frenzied “Shed Your Soul” will please fans of The Chariot as Kinard frantically growls, “If you fail then you fail cause your body is weak / And you’ll never be as strong as you dream to achieve.” Not only do these heavy moments shine, the chemistry between Shane Blay and Kinard is stronger than ever this time around, as noted on the bipolar “The Family Ruin” and final “Children of Fire.”
As the record ends, it’s clear that Oh, Sleeper aren’t about to slow down any time soon. Now three records into the game, they just keep getting better. The final declaration of “We are the children of fire / We are the lions / We stay when all else deserted / Because we were born to fight” on the closing track cements their place on the battlefield, proving they’re not about to stop fighting any time soon. With Children of Fire, Oh, Sleeper continue to fight their way to the top of the pedestal.
I can't get enough of "The Family Ruin."
I like this record a lot more than Son of the Morning, but I don't think When I Am God can ever be topped, for me.
I can't get enough of "The Family Ruin."
I like this record a lot more than Son of the Morning, but I don't think When I Am God can ever be topped, for me.
I never got into WIAG. This album blew me away though. Shane sounds amazing on the record. The music is so much more structured and shows emotions much more than previous releases. IMO 84% is too low
I never got into WIAG. This album blew me away though. Shane sounds amazing on the record. The music is so much more structured and shows emotions much more than previous releases. IMO 84% is too low
record is flat out powerful. releases like this and dead throne really give the christian hardcore genre such awesome cred. (not to say bands like underoath and what not don't)
record is flat out powerful. releases like this and dead throne really give the christian hardcore genre such awesome cred. (not to say bands like underoath and what not don't)
I agree. The top three albums on itunes for metal, if I'm not mistaken, were Children of Fire, Dead Throne, and Leveler in that order.
Album is really good. I see a lot of both WIAG and SOTM on this. They have a fantastic way of displaying passion and I love Micah's vocal delivery. I feel like this may be their best yet.
Good review but not to nitpick I wouldn't necessarily say "Zac Mayfield also continues to be a machine behind the kit" as this is his first release with the band and they have had 3 different (yet surprisingly all talented) drummers for all 3 albums.
record is flat out powerful. releases like this and dead throne really give the christian hardcore genre such awesome cred. (not to say bands like underoath and what not don't)
True, though Uø is obviously a great band I feel that both O,S and TDWP have matured more as of late and are playing a more fresh sound of modern metalcore than them. In my opinion, Uø climaxed with DTGL though LITSOS was still interesting.
Good review but not to nitpick I wouldn't necessarily say "Zac Mayfield also continues to be a machine behind the kit" as this is his first release with the band and they have had 3 different (yet surprisingly all talented) drummers for all 3 albums.
True, though Uø is obviously a great band I feel that both O,S and TDWP have matured more as of late and are playing a more fresh sound of modern metalcore than them. In my opinion, Uø climaxed with DTGL though LITSOS was still interesting.
UO will always be my favorite heavy band. Define and LITSOS are perfect.
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