So in that sense, Ashes of the Wake is a disappointment. No the band hasnt sold out. No there arent any ballads or watered down radio friendly singles. Yes I am still a fan and yes I am very happy with the record. I just wish the band would take off the cruise control and start wildly driving down extreme territory once again.
The production job is excellent, crystal clear in all fronts. It makes Randy's voice sound even deeper than the last record but more understandable at the same time. Of course thats another problem I have...why not throw in some more of the old school New American Gospel shrieks?
The music is still trademark LoG. Thrashy riffs backed with intense Southern groove and breakdowns galore. It just seems like the band is sticking to their formula a little too well. All the songs on this record have the start/stop, breakdowns, start/stop, breakdowns routine and that gets a little old. Its either that or we get something that sounds like some Swedish metal leftover. Its thrash or hardcore and thats it. Whereas on New American Gospel and to a lesser extent even As The Palaces Burn, we were treated to a wide variety of styles such as death metal and grind. I must say however that Chris Adler is still a maniac on the drums his performance is one of the highlights of the record for me.
Dont get me wrong, Ashes of the Wake is still a great record for what it is...american metalcore. If that is what you are looking for or if you are amongst the growing legions of folk who are barely discovering the band then you'll love this record. If you are like me however, you wont be totally let down but dont expect to be blown away either. Lets just hope these songs come across better live and that LoG dont end up being the next Pantera (every drunken jock/frat boys favorite band) anytime soon.
Standout Tracks:
Laid To Rest
Hourglass
The Faded Line
Break You
Ashes of the Wake