Many believe that in death there is also life. Often hearing when the older generation passes on a new born is brought into the world, chanelling our essence as humans. Deciding that they had expended their creative juices with Megadeth both guitarist Chris Broderick and drummer Shawn Drover decided to leave the band. However with the demise of one comes the Birth And The Burial.
[tracklist]
1. Throwback
2. Legion Of Lies
3. Thy Lord Belial
4. Refrain And Re-Fracture
5. Dead Stare
6. Disastrophe
7. Poison Dream
8. Obey The Fallen
9. Crimson Psalm
10. Birth And The Burial
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]47:00[/length]
[record_label]Metal Blade Records[/record_label]
[release_date]August 21st 2015[/release_date]
[/details]
After deciding to throw in the towel with the monumental Megadeth late last year both Shawn Drover and Chris Broderick decided that they would in fact be forging their own path. Recruiting Shadows Fall bassist and Scar The Martyr vocalist the two began their writing process, yet this time formed under a new monicker, Act Of Defiance.
Though this might be the band’s first official release the players are seasoned. With Broderick having previously been from a Nevermore back ground. This previous mix is evident yet gaining its own new identity, as single “Throwback” hurtles forward beginning in fantastic style. Neoclassical guitar leads make way to a more breakneck pace that much of the album adopts. “Thy Lord Belial” ensuring that the pace remains topped up to Exodus levels, much of the crux of the make up of Act Of Defiance is a sense of groove. Seven strings still making an appearance, which at times can give the illusion of a slight Nevermore feel, yet the band can’t exactly copyright that seven string sound.
“Disastrophe” is surely one of the albums highlights, the bouncing riffs suits the double time drum leanings. That being said the record isn’t without a ballad or two, “Refrain And Re-Fracture” opens with a dark acoustic section leading into a grandiose introduction that completely turns the song on it’s head. It’s noticeable that Shawn Drover has definitely changed up his style of playing since the days of Megadeth. Perhaps Act Of Defiance has given the drummer the ability to flex his proverbial muscles slightly. Adding diversity to the sound of the record that is sorely needed in this day and age. Particularly if you are a supergroup.
The classical sounds of “Poison Dream” roll in with a grand piano accompanied by a violin before the arrival of old favourite distortion creates a sense of melting before another crushing driving riff appears. At first believing that singer Henry Derek didn’t quite fit, some of the screams were slightly too raspy and cleans to copycat yet as the album progresses the singer finds his voice, so to speak.
The moody “Obey The Fallen” begins with a trickling bass line until another pang of distortion with some great little leads. Stand out moments do occur but sometimes the riffs can blend slightly into one another. Nevertheless with the members having all been in previous bands there is undoubtedly going to be elements that crop up here and there from the members past.
With Birth And The Burial the band have created an interesting album, which though it might not be groundbreaking will definitely sit high among those who are Thrash Metal fans hearts. Using their previous experience as a stencil to then colour in the fashion of their new identity. Coming together to deliver a record that is current yet also (excuse the pun) a throwback the band have not done bad at all for their first outing, proving that in death there is also life.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]The band might not be revolutionary in their ideas but their delivery is solid and with a reliable history your faith will be well placed in Birth And The Burial.[/why]
If you like what you read / heard then you can pick up Act Of Defiance’s brand new album here!
