"The Light That Binds" begins with a delicate classical guitar style intro before launching into a metal attack that doesnt let up until the fourth track. Seriously, the first three songs all rule. "What Drives the Weak" is where things start get funny. This song was the first preview I had of The War Within and not only did I hate it...I was scared the band lost their fucking minds. In context with the rest of the album its not that bad of a song but on its own its pretty weak/cheesy and an obvious attempt at crafting a "hit" single.
Shadows Fall have always been chameleons when it comes to their sound. Too technical to be hardcore and sometimes too many "chugga-chugga" breakdowns to be metal. The thing that has saved their asses is their ability to write great songs. This is why they have continued to grow and gain acceptance even though so many melodic death metal bands have vanished off the earth and I'm confident they will rise above the currently over populated metalcore scene aswell.
Back to the record, things get crazy again on "Eternity is Within." FINALLY the backing growls/screams have returned! Those vocals are what helped make Of One Blood so infectious back in 2000 and I'm glad they havent done away with them all together. The final track, "Those Who Cannot Speak" is my favorite. Its a sick mix of high energy thrash and melodic death that Shadows Fall does better than anyone. Something about this song also reminds me of "Raining Blood" which can only be a good thing. The drumming is better than ever, the guitars still shred and the songwriting is at its best. Like I said before, Shadows Fall have done it again.
Standout Tracks:
The Light That Binds
Act of Contrition
Eternity Within
Those Who Cannot Speak