2008 Woodie Awards
All That Remains 'Overcome' genre cliches
Stephen Ortiz
Issue date: 9/18/08 Section: Focus
Philip Labonte is among an elite few in the metalcore scene. The lead singer of Springfield, Mass.-based All That Remains has been able to find the perfect balance between the defiant metal roar and clean vocals that are ever-so-valued in the genre on his band's last two albums. It seems as though the third time's a charm with their latest, "Overcome."
Don't think that All That Remains has gone soft, though "Overcome" is by no means submissive. Much like Slipknot's recent release, "Overcome" is easy on the ears but still brutal enough to please fans of metal.
The real highlight of "Overcome" is its guitar work; it's great from start to finish thanks to the efforts of guitarists Mike Martin and Oli Herbert. Even if you don't like Labonte's lyrics, there's that to look forward to.
On the album's lead single, "Chiron," the duo display their talent best. The entire song has them shredding at a raging speed that breaks right before it gets too old - just in time for the melodic bridge - then it drops into the awesome solo (the best on the album's 11 tracks).
One of the best things about "Overcome" is that each track stands out on its own and no two tracks sound the same, which is a reoccurring issue in the metalcore genre.
The album's opener, "Before The Damned," and "Relinquish" are two rougher tracks. The first starting with a rumbling, flurry of bass drums from drummer Jason Costa, and then combines a trudging guitar riff with Labonte's growl for a strong final package.
"Two Weeks" does a complete U-turn from "Before The Damned" and creates a surprisingly radio-friendly song that seems designed for live performances with a chorus worthy of a sing-a-long. It shoots out the gates fast only to find Labonte showing that he actually has a decent singing voice beneath the angry metal drawl. It's the only track (aside from the cover of Nevermore's "Believe In Nothing") that he sings like this, but does it so well that it makes you wonder why he would want to conceal it. It may be a little on the soft side for some, but it's a great track.
While "Overcome" isn't as brutal as "The Fall Of Ideals" or as original as "This Darkened Heart," it's a solid step in the right direction for one of the best metalcore bands on the market.
Don't think that All That Remains has gone soft, though "Overcome" is by no means submissive. Much like Slipknot's recent release, "Overcome" is easy on the ears but still brutal enough to please fans of metal.
The real highlight of "Overcome" is its guitar work; it's great from start to finish thanks to the efforts of guitarists Mike Martin and Oli Herbert. Even if you don't like Labonte's lyrics, there's that to look forward to.
On the album's lead single, "Chiron," the duo display their talent best. The entire song has them shredding at a raging speed that breaks right before it gets too old - just in time for the melodic bridge - then it drops into the awesome solo (the best on the album's 11 tracks).
One of the best things about "Overcome" is that each track stands out on its own and no two tracks sound the same, which is a reoccurring issue in the metalcore genre.
The album's opener, "Before The Damned," and "Relinquish" are two rougher tracks. The first starting with a rumbling, flurry of bass drums from drummer Jason Costa, and then combines a trudging guitar riff with Labonte's growl for a strong final package.
"Two Weeks" does a complete U-turn from "Before The Damned" and creates a surprisingly radio-friendly song that seems designed for live performances with a chorus worthy of a sing-a-long. It shoots out the gates fast only to find Labonte showing that he actually has a decent singing voice beneath the angry metal drawl. It's the only track (aside from the cover of Nevermore's "Believe In Nothing") that he sings like this, but does it so well that it makes you wonder why he would want to conceal it. It may be a little on the soft side for some, but it's a great track.
While "Overcome" isn't as brutal as "The Fall Of Ideals" or as original as "This Darkened Heart," it's a solid step in the right direction for one of the best metalcore bands on the market.
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cory
posted 10/31/08 @ 8:15 PM EST
you're out of you're mind this album sux i mean sux in comparison to they're previous stuff! they let me down.And I have been loyal to them.
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